Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops Recipe: Ocean’s Gold on a Plate

Seafood enthusiasts crave these delectable buttery garlic seared scallops that melt like silk on your palate.

Golden-brown edges crisp up beautifully in a hot skillet, creating an irresistible texture.

Each scallop absorbs rich garlic butter, promising an elegant dining experience.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this simple yet sophisticated dish.

The secret lies in high heat and precise timing to achieve perfect caramelization.

Minimal ingredients transform these tender marine morsels into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

Prepare to impress with this quick and luxurious seafood sensation that beckons you to savor every single bite.

Reasons to Love Garlic Seared Scallops

• Impress your dinner guests with restaurant-quality scallops that look and taste like a professional chef prepared them, all while being surprisingly simple to make.
• Learn the secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown crust and tender interior by carefully drying scallops and using high heat, ensuring a mouthwatering sear every single time.
• Elevate basic scallops with a rich, buttery garlic sauce that adds depth and complexity without requiring advanced cooking skills or hours of preparation.
• Enjoy a luxurious seafood dish that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for both special occasions and quick, delicious family dinners.

Garlic Seared Scallops Ingredient List

• Scallops: Fresh, plump seafood that becomes tender and golden when seared perfectly.
• Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a delicious sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops.
• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that provide depth and brightness to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Lemon: Provides a light cooking medium and bright, tangy finish to balance the rich butter.

How to Make Garlic Seared Scallops

Step 1: Prepare Pristine Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels.

This crucial step ensures a perfect golden-brown crust.

Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful foundation for your seafood masterpiece.

Step 2: Create Culinary Magic

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil until it shimmers with potential.

Carefully place scallops in the pan, ensuring they’re not touching.

Give each scallop plenty of space to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a stunning golden-brown crust forms.

Pro tip: Scallops are ready to flip when they naturally release from the pan’s surface.

Step 3: Craft Heavenly Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove scallops and set aside on a warm plate.

• Butter with olive oil
• Minced garlic

Melt butter and cook garlic for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Elevate with Bright Finishing Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan, deglazing and lifting those delicious browned bits.

Gently return scallops to the skillet.

Bathe them in the luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serve immediately and watch your dinner guests swoon with delight.

Tips for Buttery Garlic Scallops

• Thoroughly dry scallops with paper towels to ensure a golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior on your scallops.
• Cook garlic briefly to release fragrance without burning, creating a rich, flavorful base for the buttery sauce.
• Deglaze the pan with fresh lemon juice to capture all the delicious browned bits and add brightness to the dish.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes to the scallops.

Storage Tips for Garlic Seared Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the scallops with the remaining garlic butter sauce to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Warm scallops carefully in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of butter or olive oil to help maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Skip microwaving, as it can quickly toughen the delicate scallops and destroy their tender texture. Microwaving will make them chewy and less enjoyable.
• For best results, consume leftover scallops within 24 hours. Serve immediately after reheating to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture of this delicate seafood dish.

Serving Suggestions for Seared Scallops

• Elevate Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops with These Pairings
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate scallop flavor, cutting through the richness of the buttery sauce with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Creamy Risotto Side: Prepare a light, parmesan-infused risotto that echoes the scallops' luxurious texture while providing a neutral canvas for the garlic butter's intense flavors.
• Match Vibrant Green Salad: Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts, offering a peppery, crunchy contrast to the tender, smooth scallops.
• Select Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette to soak up the incredible garlic butter sauce, transforming every bite into a decadent experience.

Garlic Scallop Style Variations

• Dairy-Free Scallop Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil, using a dairy-free margarine for the sauce. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
• Keto-Friendly Seafood Option: Skip the lemon juice, use extra butter instead. Swap parsley for fresh chives and add a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds for extra crunch.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Use rosemary-infused olive oil instead of regular oil. Add thyme and oregano to the garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Version: Use salt-free seasoning blend instead of salt. Replace sea salt butter with a low-sodium alternative. Add fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for enhanced flavor without extra sodium.

FAQs

• How do I know if my scallops are fresh?

Look for scallops that are firm, moist, and have a sweet, ocean-like smell. Avoid any that appear dry, have a strong fishy odor, or look discolored.

• Why is patting scallops dry important?

Removing excess moisture helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear by preventing steaming. Dry scallops create a beautiful crust and lock in their delicate flavor.

• What type of pan works best for searing scallops?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create that perfect golden crust on the scallops.

• Can I tell when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked scallops are golden-brown on the outside and slightly translucent in the center. They should be slightly firm to the touch but not rubbery.

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic seared scallops bring marine elegance to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality flavors, promising restaurant-worthy seafood you’ll savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 medium lemon, juice half, slice remaining half
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry scallops using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat, adding olive oil until it shimmers. Carefully place scallops in pan, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent steaming.
3. Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown crust. Wait until scallops naturally release from pan before flipping.
4. Transfer seared scallops to a separate plate, reducing skillet heat to low. Melt butter with olive oil and sea salt, creating a rich base.
5. Add minced garlic to butter, cooking precisely 30 seconds until aromatic. Avoid burning by monitoring heat closely.
6. Deglaze pan with fresh lemon juice, scraping accumulated browned bits to intensify flavor profile.
7. Gently return scallops to skillet, coating them thoroughly with garlic-butter sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbal notes.
8. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and scallops retain their delicate, tender texture.

Notes

• Always ensure scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without steaming.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution and maximum caramelization.
• Space scallops apart in the pan to prevent moisture buildup and guarantee crispy exteriors.
• Select fresh, high-quality dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 90mg