These scrumptious Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops are the best way to prepare them with perfectly seared scallops in a lemon garlic butter sauce. I have tried other ways, and they are good, but there is no comparison to the flavor of these delicacies. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can sear scallops like a head chef. Serve this dish over angel hair pasta or white rice with fresh asparagus.
Being born in Missouri, it seems hard to believe I was raised on seafood. My family traveled frequently (did I mention how blessed I am), and I was introduced to some AMAZING seafood at an early age. Mahi Mahi, bonefish, kingfish, marlin, tuna, and snapper are all tasty fish that I was fortunate enough to partake in. Tasty and tender scallops, shrimp, frog legs, and clams were a common treat from southern Florida. Great seafood was a way of life for me and my siblings. It is no wonder that these gorgeous Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops have found their way onto my blog. Not only are they beautiful, but they taste like a little bit of heaven. Do you like seafood? Have you ever tried scallops?
What is a scallop?
Scallops are found in saltwater environments. They are free-swimming mollusks that live in hinged shells. There are two different types of scallops, and most people have an opinion on which tastes best, but I like both. The larger ones are Atlantic sea scallops. They are found in shallow open waters and are harvested wild. The small bay scallops are found in the seagrass beds of harbors and bays along the Atlantic coastal waters.
How to sear scallops
First and foremost, make sure that the wet scallops are good and dry. Pat dry with paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt right before searing. Use a mixture of oil and butter and get it good and hot, almost to the smoking point. Then add the scallops and sear for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes on the bottom, then flip and sear the other side. They should have a golden brown crust on each side. Do not overcrowd the pan, so if it is necessary, work in batches.
How to make Seared Scallops
First, sear the scallops. Please see above on how to sear scallops. Wipe out the skillet that you used to sear the scallops. Then add butter to the skillet over low heat. Next, add the garlic and cook for about one minute. Add a little bit of lemon juice and return the scallops to the pan. Warm scallops for a minute, turning several times to get them in the lemon butter. Sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Helpful tips for cooking scallops
- If using frozen scallops, they should be completely thawed. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of ice-cold water just until thawed.
- Let scallops rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Work with dry scallops. Dry sea scallops thoroughly with paper towels.
- Scallops cook very quickly and become tough and chewy if overcooked.
- Scallops become opaque when cooked through
- Other fresh herbs and spices to try are fresh basil, thyme, dill, rosemary, chives, cilantro, smoked paprika, and tarragon.
- Try other citrus flavors like orange and lime.
Other seafood recipes you will love!
Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops
These scrumptious Garlic Lemon Butter pan-seared Scallops are honestly the best way to prepare scallops. You, too can cook like a head chef.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Category: seafood
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb sea scallops side muscle removed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1–2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt right before cooking.
- Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Get the fat good and hot and almost to the smoking point. Add scallops and sear for 1 1/2 -2 minutes on each side. They should have a golden crust on each side. Do not overcrowd the pan, so if necessary, cook in batches. As cooked, remove to plate.
- Wipe out the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet over low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lemon juice and return scallops to pan. Warm scallops for 1-2 minutes, turning several times to get them in the lemon butter. Sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If using frozen scallops, they should be completely thawed.
- Let scallops rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Make sure the scallops have been dried thoroughly.
- Scallops cook very quickly and become tough and chewy if overcooked.
- Scallops become opaque when cooked through.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keywords: pan seared scallops, how to sear scallops, pan seared scallops with garlic, seared sea scallops
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
karletta
Scallops, butter, garlic, lemon – delicious. I’m expanding my cooking repertoire and this recipe is perfect.
★★★★★
Jennifer
These seared scallops are the best. They turned out just the way I like them. Pure heaven.
Elise
Those are some perfectly seared scallops. It’s one of the harder foods to cook but you have clearly mastered it. Thanks for the great recipe and tips.
★★★★★
Kat
Your scallops recipe was amazing, and I can’t wait to make it again. The step-by-step instructions and the tips you provided made it easy, even for a cooking novice like me. Thanks for sharing this delicious-looking dish!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kat! So glad that you liked the scallops. We love them too!
Olga
This is indeed the best way to make scallops. I served them over some angel hair pasta with roasted asparagus spears. One of my favorite dinners.
★★★★★
Mila R
Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops are honestly my favs. I’m going to try your recipe tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mila! I sure hope you like them.
Sandra
This is my favorite way to cook scallops. It really works perfectly everytime just like a 5 star restaurant. Thanks for all the great tips.
Rose
We love these scallops. I wish I could make them once a week but scallops are a little pricey so it has to be a reason to celebrate. Oh well my birthday is coming up. Sounds like a plan.
Heather
Let me tell you, garlic and butter are magic together! What a tasty sauce for pan seared scallops. We loved it.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Heather! So glad that you liked the seared scallops.
Debbie
I love seafood and these seared scallops were so amazing. I just love seafood with lemon and garlic. It is the best way to cook it.
★★★★★
Emily Fata
My mom was just talking about wanting to make scallops the other day for her and my dad! I’ll be sending this recipe over to them now. It looks so incredible!
Maria
This is one of my favorite recipes. I can’t afford to make them as often as I would like but when I do it is quite the memorable meal.
Lori
You are correct this is the best way to fix scallops. They were so tasty with the lemon and garlic and seared to perfection with your great tips.
Sandra
I so often order scallops when I dine out that I thought I would give this a try. So easy and delicious with the garlic and lemon flavoring. Fantastic recipe with great tips.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra! So happy that you liked the scallops.
Zadie
Great recipe. They turned out just as good as the ones I had in a restaurant for my birthday. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Edgar
Oohhhh…i haven’t had scallops before. They sure look so nice. I wanna give them a try, being a big time lover of garlic.
Kat
Wow, these seared garlic lemon butter scallops were amazing! Your easy-to-follow recipe and tasty photos made it so easy. I can not wait to make more of your recipes.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kat! So glad that you liked them!
Monica
Your seared scallops recipe is a game-changer! The step-by-step instructions and tips are a lifesaver for a novice like me. The final dish turned out so flavorful and restaurant-quality. Can’t wait to impress my guests with this delectable treat. Huge thanks for sharing this culinary gem!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Monica! The pleasure is all mine!
Lucy
Thamks for all the great tips. I never knew that scallops could turn out so well at home. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Debbie
I love seafood! I loved these Seared Scallops! So delicious with the lemon garlic butter.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Debbie! I am so glad that you liked the scallops.
Claudia
They cooked up beautifully. Such a quick and easy recipe and so much cheaper than eating out. .
★★★★★
Nyxie
These look beautiful! I love scallops but haven’t had them with garlic before, just lemon and rosemary.
★★★★★
Rosey
Yes to them being room temperature. Sometimes the iittle things make a big difference. Also great to note how fast they can overcook. These look great.
Betty
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me and it is fantastic. If you love scallops this recipe is a must try.
Cinny
I absolutely love seafood and seared scallops are definitely one of my favorites. This recipe is spot on. Just follow all the tips and you will have the best scallops.
Rich
You are absolutely right, Beth! This is the best way to cook scallops. Thank you!
Jeri White
I can’t wait to try this. Love how easy the recipe is. Was wondering why it is showing so much sodium count.
Beth Pierce
The software that we use for nutritional purposes is not the best. That sodium is overstated.
CATHERINE
I made these scallops a few nights ago, they were simply delicious!
Another amazing recipe from you, you’re my go to for fabulous recipes.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Catherine! That is so kind of you. So glad that you liked it.
Michelle
Love Love Love these scallops. They’re not only delicious but very easy and quick to make. I noticed on the nutritional info, it lists this recipe having 32 carbs. Where do the carbs come from? I’m just confused because I don’t see any ingredients that would have that many carbs.
Thanks,
Michelle
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like them. The carbs are overstated on that recipe. Scallops do have some carbs in them. The software that is available to bloggers is only so good and sometimes things are a little off. That is why I added a disclaimer.
Gloria
Thank you for clearing up the question about the carbs. I was wondering why there were so many carbs in scallops when my carb church shows very few. Definitely going to make this tonight.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Gloria! Enjoy!
Kathy
Is the nutrition info for 1serving or 2. It does say serves 2
Beth Pierce
It is per serving.
Barbara Dietrich
I have to agree with all the other posters. This is the best scallop dinner I have ever made. My husband requested them so I got Colossal Scallops from Wegman’s and theymade a marvelous substitute for the Bay Scallops I was looking for to make my normal Sautéed Scallop meal with Onion and Garlic in a Butter and Wine Sauce. I had to search for a new recipe. This will now be my go to, served with Rice and a delicious bottle of chilled Virginia Viognier. I am now following.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Barbara! That is so sweet!
Lisalia
I made these last year, then again last night. Just have to stop in again and say how yummy these scallops are. Your technique is spot on and it made me look like an awesome cook! (Chef’s kiss… mwah mwah!) Thanks again for such a yummy recipe!
★★★★★
barbara Cokes
My family loves this! All of my kids request this often! Thanks for a delicious recipe.
★★★★★
Macie
Delicious! My husband was so impressed with these scallops. I didn’t let him know how easy they were to get perfect, haha.
★★★★★
Alisha
These scallops are the best – so buttery!
★★★★★
Melissa
I love this recipe- great for Summer nights!
★★★★★
Kristyn
So buttery, they melt in your mouth!! Lemon & garlic are the perfect seafood flavors!!
★★★★★
Lily
These were so perfectly juicy, I loved the simplicity of them that allowed the scallops to shine!!
★★★★★
Lizzy
I once heard a famous (and VERY good chef) comment that seafood like scallops and shrimps should be cooked for 1 minute or 1 hour. (about a minute on each side) So true. Once you overcook a scallop the only way to save it is to simmer it in a soup for about an hour. Perfect scallops from this recipe. 🙂 Wonderful directions. Thanks!
★★★★★
Kristyn
So soft & buttery!! My mouth is watering looking at your pics!! Delish!
★★★★★
Valentina
The BEST homemade seared butter scallops recipe! I LOVE how simple and delicious this recipe is.
★★★★★
Lily
I made these for date night and they were incredible, so flavorful and tender the perfect summer date night recipe! I will definitely be using this recipe again!
★★★★★
Leslie
So easy and so delicious! We just had a Wegman’s open here, and they had a special on scallops for the grand opening…I couldn’t resist. Followed the recipe to a T and didn’t make any changes (there was no need to!). Served with fresh steamed spinach. Perfect dinner for a warm evening!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Leslie! So glad that you liked them!!
wilhelmina
This recipe turns out perfect every time for me! It has become a go to every time I find fresh scallops!
★★★★★
Melissa
Great recipe my family loved It! We love scallops so trying new recipe are great!
★★★★★
Becca
For some reason, I always thought cooking scallops would be hard and scary, but this recipe makes it super easy and delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Becca! Glad that you like them!!
Leslie
What do do you serve the scallops with?
Beth Pierce
Angel hair pasta, rice, roasted asparagus, fresh steamed broccoli, roasted parsnips.
Robert Holland
I Love ❤️ scallops ! At a restaurant they like to charge an arm and a leg for them . And we live at the beach 🏖 in Texas. I read probably 10 different recipes before picking yours! Thanks 🙏 Beth Rob Holland
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Rob! I hope you liked the recipe!
Joseph Ordille
Is it true that some places use shark in place of scallops
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. Maybe the readers will know more.
Emily Liao
The garlic butter was SO delicous! My scallops turned out super juicy and tender.
★★★★★
Chris Collins
I love scallops so much! I bet the garlic lemon butter sauce takes them to new heights! 🙂
★★★★★
Lauren Vavala
We had scallops for NYE and I’ve been craving them ever since. Adding this recipe to the line up for next week. -sounds amazing!
★★★★★
Priya Lakshminarayan
I am loving the garlic and lemon flavors in here. Looks so good
★★★★★
Mojoblogs
Thanks for all the tips that you shared and thanks for this recipe. Looks really great. Bet this would also taste great. I will try this soon.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Enjoy!!
Matt Taylor
So amazing! You can go long with butter, garlic, and lemon with scallops! Such a great recipe. 🙂
★★★★★
LAUREN KELLY
My family devoured these in minutes! I am just disappointed I didn’t triple the recipe. I will definitely make these again.
★★★★★
Betsy
Seriously. These are the BEST scallops! Better than most restaurants! Will need to make these again and again!
★★★★★
Kia
This looks good. I’m going to try this recipe this week. This will be my 1st time cooking scallops. My question is what would I serve it with?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kia! I like to serve rice, angel hair pasta, oven roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or lemon drop martinis. So many good choices for a great meal!
Sherry
Fresh lemon juice or concentrate?
Beth Pierce
Fresh please!
Lisalia
Absolutely delicious way to have scallops. BUTTER with lemon and garlic makes everything okay in the world again.
★★★★★
Kristyn
Ok, this sauce is amazing & great with scallops! Excited to make them for my family!
★★★★★
Katie
Looks so delicious and fun! My family would love this.
★★★★★
Suzy
Cooked these up and they are so good! Love the garlic, lemon and butter on the scallops!
★★★★★
Jen
I prepared this wonderful dish the other night and it was delicious! I added a tad of white wine when I seared the scallops and I served it with a Parmesan risotto.
★★★★★
Heather
These scallops are absolutely delicious!! My husband went crazy for them!
★★★★★
Mardy
They were wonderful! Thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Mardy! So glad that you liked them!
Katie
Oh wow! This is a delicious recipe! And so simple! The garlic and lemon is perfect!
★★★★★
Kimma
These were amazing. So light and flavorful. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kimma! I love these scallops! So incredibly yummy!!
Lisa Bass
I always need a few more good seafood recipes!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This is such a great way to showcase the flavor of the scallops! So dang delicious!
★★★★★
Toni
This is so easy to make and so good! Everyone at my house loved it!
★★★★★
Julie
VERY GOOD! FAMILY LOVED IT. HIGH END RESTAURANT QAULITY. CAN’T WAIT TO MAKE AND IMPRESS MY FRIENDS. THANK YOU!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is so sweet! Thanks Julie! I am so glad that you and your family loved them!
Stacy
I made this tonight for dinner and paired it with fresh french style green beans, and crash hot potatoes. It came out perfect! Followed the recipe exactly as written. Thank you so much for sharing! This one’s definitely a keeper!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Stacy! So glad that you liked it!
Sharon
Where are the carbs coming from in this recipe?
Beth Pierce
Scallops have some carbs in them. The software that is available throws lots of seafood in that particular group so I think the carbs are over stated on that.
Angie
We used this recipe for fish tacos. I put these scallops, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage and chipotle mayo sauce on corn tortillas and everyone was stuffed with happiness. Thank you! Necessity is the mother of invention.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That sounds amazing Angie! Delicious! Now you are making me hungry!!
Laura
This is a most excellent recipe, best scallops l have ever made!! Superior!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Laura! so glad that you liked them!
Annabelle
I never bought, ordered or made scallops. When you say to remove the side muscle I’m wondering if this is on all scallops or only the large ones. Do you throw them away? Please advise…I’m wanting to try this but am a real beginner with seafood. Thank you.
Beth Pierce
Almost all scallops have the side muscle removed. You can always google removing the side muscle of scallops to see images and yes you would throw them away.
Brenda
Just bought sea scallops today. Will be trying this recipe for dinner tomorrow. I can’t wait. They look amazing!! I will let you know how much I like them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Brenda! I sure hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Pam
Love scallops! I put a splash of vermouth in all fish I cook… stops the “fish smell” in the house:) also I have made adding Gate way to the north spice from The Spice House! One of my favorite dishes! Thank you for reminding me of this great dish! ?♀️
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Thanks for the tips. I will have to remember about the vermouth.
Mary Stevens
This recipe looks easy and delicious but is really high in sodium. Do scallops naturally have that much sodium?
Beth Pierce
I need to put a disclaimer on my site that the nutritional counts are only approximations. You have to choose from group of foods and some of the foods in that group may have a very high sodium content. I think this is one of those cases. They do have some sodium but not that much.
Sandy
I love this recipe, so easy and so good! I’ve made them several times and making them again tonight. Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sandy! So happy to hear that you like them! Scallops are one of my favorite meals!
Linda Sharpe
How can this recipe have so many carbs. Nothing in this recipe would create such a high carb count of 35.4 grams. Was this a mistake?
Beth Pierce
I will run it through my program again. There are just program that do this because I could never manually calculate all this. Sometime the program does make mistakes.
Beth Pierce
Believe it or not there are some carbs in scallops. Take a look https://thepaleodiet.com/believe-shellfish-contains-carbohydrate/. Now that being said it is probably overstated because my program automatically through a lot of shellfish into the same category.
Kristyn
I’ve never made scallops before, but this recipe looks super easy & I am excited to try! They look so tasty & tender!
★★★★★
Valentina
Delicious scallops recipe!
★★★★★
Kara
You can’t go wrong with garlic lemon butter and seafood. So yummy!
★★★★★
Suzy
I love how easy this came together and the flavor is just perfect!
★★★★★
Ashley F
I just loved the garlic, lemon and butter together! It made this so tasty!
★★★★★
Erin
These would disappear in our house! These are mouth watering!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
What an amazing and flavorful scallop recipe! This was a hit at dinner and even my picky eaters gobbled these up! Delicious!
★★★★★
Kim Seghers
Your scallop recipe looks delicious. I have never cooked scallops before I’ll have to try your recipe!
★★★★★
Catalina
I want to try these asap! These look incredible!
★★★★★
Dorothy Reinhold
Scallops are always my pick! This recipe is telling me that I need to hit the grocery store!
Brian Jones
It is wrong that I know want scallp0ps for breakfast? These look and sound fantastic!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy your breakfast!
Jen
These were so delicious! The garlic and lemon were the perfect flavor combination for this dish.
★★★★★
Mikayla
Scallops are my favorite seafood, my husband always concedes the last one to me whenever we’re out because I just can’t get enough. Your tips are so essential for cooking great scallops at home, thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Krissy Allori
I haven’t made too many scallops before, but I will definitely need to try this recipe!
★★★★★
Lyndsay
Delicious! I love how simple yet flavourful these scallops are. Thanks for the tasty recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Abby
Made the scallops and are very delicious. Love the simplicity to make them and the fact that the recipe doesn’t require many ingredients . Thank you Beth for sharing your recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Abby! So glad that you liked them. I need to cook them this week because they are so delicious!
Julie
I think it also depends on the type of skillet you are using. When I cooked the scallops in my non-stick aluminum frying pan, I left them in too long because they didn’t brown in 1-2 minutes. I finally turned the heat to high and that worked.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up! That is good to know!
Julie Collier
Thanks for sharing this recipe Beth. Even though seafood is my absolute favorite food of all time, I only get to eat it maybe once a year (wish I was kidding) because it’s expensive and I really don’t know how to cook it properly. When I saw your post I was reminded that I LOVE scallops and not all seafood is pricey and now that I have a recipe, I plan to make them tomorrow! I can’t wait!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Julie. I love scallops too! They are so yummy! Sometimes every once in a while I can get them on sale usually closer to Easter. I hope you enjoy them. Make sure you read the helpful hints.
Colleen
I will be making these. Love scallops when they are opaque inside. People tend to overlook. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks for this recipe!
Joanne Richard
Looking delicious. Love seafood dishes.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Joanne!!