How to Make the Perfect Pan Seared Scallops
American · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
These pan seared scallops develop a beautiful golden crust in under 15 minutes making them an impressive yet effortless dish. A quick butter baste with garlic elevates this restaurant worthy recipe right at home.
Why this recipe works
This Pan Seared Scallops recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large sea scallops
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lemon juiced
- 0.5 tsp salt and black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Dry and Season Scallops
Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Removing moisture is the key to achieving a perfect golden sear.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until nearly smoking. Add scallops and sear without moving for 2 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
Step 3: Butter Baste
Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the scallops continuously for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over scallops and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sea scallops → large shrimp for a more budget friendly option
- unsalted butter → ghee for a higher smoke point and richer flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not patting scallops dry which prevents browning and creates steaming
- Moving the scallops too early before the crust properly forms
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 28g protein, 5g carbs, 17g fat, 0g fiber.
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