Description
Seared Scallops are a luxurious yet simple seafood dish with a golden crust and tender center, ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for date nights or quick dinners, they bring gourmet quality to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large sea scallops
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil with high smoke point
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering.
- Place scallops in the pan without crowding. Do not move them once placed.
- Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip and sear the other side for another 1.5 to 2 minutes until just opaque in the center.
- In the last minute of cooking, add butter and garlic (if using). Spoon the melted butter over the scallops.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice or serve with lemon wedges. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Dry scallops thoroughly to get the best sear.Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear.Cook just until opaque—overcooking makes them rubbery.Use high smoke point oil to prevent burning during searing.Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe (main course)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
