Name: Savor the Best Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops Tonight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 8 large scallops (Fresh and plump for best results); 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to your taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (Adds a hint of warmth and spice); 1 tablespoon olive oil (High smoke point for searing); 2 tablespoons butter (Use unsalted for better control over seasoning); 1 teaspoon minced garlic (Don't let it burn for best results); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Adds freshness and visual appeal); 2 wedges lemon (Recommended for a zesty finish)

As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I find myself craving something special. This is the perfect moment to whip up my go-to dish: Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 13 minutes of your time, this recipe is a culinary treasure that elevates any dinner. Not only are these scallops a delightful spectacle with their golden crust, but they also deliver a burst of buttery, garlicky goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they pair beautifully with your favorite sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests? Let’s dive into the art of making these succulent scallops!

Why are these scallops a must-try?

Quick preparation makes these Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 13 minutes. Decadent flavors arise from the rich butter and garlic, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet simple. Impressive presentation turns an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience—your guests will think you’re a culinary pro! Versatile pairing options mean they complement risottos, salads, or pasta beautifully. Finally, crowd-pleasing appeal ensures that everyone will enjoy this delicious seafood treat, making it an instant favorite!

Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops Ingredients

• Get ready for a delightful culinary experience!

For the Scallops

Large scallops – The star of this dish; look for ones that are fresh and plump for the best results.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the scallops; adjust to your taste.
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and spice; freshly ground offers the best flavor.

For the Cooking Fat

Olive oil – Provides a high smoke point for searing; feel free to use grapeseed or avocado oil if desired.
Butter – The rich foundation for the garlic sauce; use unsalted for better control over seasoning.

For Flavoring

Minced garlic – Infuses the dish with a delightful aroma and taste; don’t let it burn for the best results.
Chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor contrast in each bite.

For Serving

Lemon wedges – Optional but recommended for a zesty finish that complements the scallops beautifully.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Begin by rinsing the large scallops under cold water, ensuring they are clean and ready to cook. Gently pat them dry with paper towels; this step is crucial as moisture can prevent a good sear. Once dried, season both sides of each scallop generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their delightful natural flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat and allow it to warm up for about 2 minutes. Once heated, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You'll know it’s ready when the oil starts to shimmer. This oil creates a beautifully hot environment perfect for searing the scallops and achieving that coveted golden crust.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Carefully arrange the seasoned scallops in the hot skillet, making sure they are spaced apart to avoid steaming. Cook the scallops undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip each scallop gently using tongs, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, ensuring they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
Once the scallops are perfectly cooked, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir gently as the butter melts, allowing the garlic to soften without burning, about 1 minute. This fragrant mixture will create a rich garlic butter sauce that beautifully enhances the flavor of your pan-seared garlic butter scallops.

Step 5: Sauce the Scallops
Using a spoon or a ladle, carefully drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the scallops, ensuring each one gets a lovely coating of color and flavor. After about 30 seconds of saucing, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for added freshness and a pop of color. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish even more.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the pan-seared garlic butter scallops to a serving plate. For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for an optional zesty kick. These scallops are best enjoyed right away while they are warm, succulent, and bursting with flavor!

Expert Tips for Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

Selecting Scallops: Choose fresh, large scallops for the best taste and texture. Avoid any that smell overwhelmingly fishy; freshness is key!
Pat Dry: Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture can hinder the searing process, preventing that beautiful golden crust.
Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is adequately heated before adding scallops. If the oil isn't shimmering, wait a bit longer to achieve the ideal sear.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give each scallop space in the skillet to prevent steaming. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they sear nicely.
Timing Matters: Monitor your cooking time closely. Overcooking scallops can make them tough; they should be opaque but still tender!
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors like a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine for extra depth in your pan-seared garlic butter scallops.

Storage Tips for Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

Fridge: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours. They’re best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cooked scallops tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month.
Thawing: Thaw frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warming. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
Reheating: Gently reheat scallops in a skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter for about 2-3 minutes, until warmed through. For best results, don’t overcook!

Make Ahead Options

These Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This way, they absorb the seasoning, enhancing their natural flavor. For even quicker meal prep, you can prepare the garlic butter (butter and minced garlic) and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious scallops, simply heat a skillet, sear the scallops as directed, add the pre-prepared garlic butter at the end, and serve. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort on your busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

It's time to elevate your dining experience with delectable sides that harmonize beautifully with your succulent scallops.

Creamy Risotto: The rich and luscious texture of risotto complements the delicate scallops, creating a comforting, indulgent dish.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Bright and crisp, this vegetable dish adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery sauce, enhancing each bite. Picture vibrant green asparagus spears seasoned with lemon and garlic—they're a perfect palate cleanser amidst the scallops' richness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Velvety and flavorful, these mashed potatoes soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully, making every mouthful a creamy delight.
Arugula Salad: Light and peppery, a fresh arugula salad adds a wonderful crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the scallops perfectly.
Cauliflower Rice: A light and healthy alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors well and serves as a wonderful base for the scallops, offering a low-carb option.
Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc offers zesty citrus notes that elevate the meal while complementing the scallops' buttery finish.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse provides a sweet, sophisticated ending, contrasting the savory elements while still feeling elegant.
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce on your plate, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Embrace these delightful pairings for a memorable meal that will impress your family and friends!

Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops to suit your taste buds!

Lemon Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a fragrant twist. Their brightness complements the garlic beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that will awaken your palate. It’s a delightful surprise!
Coconut Cream Sauce: Swap butter for coconut oil and finish with coconut cream. This change adds a tropical flair and richness.
Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Finish with a balsamic reduction for a sweet tang that balances the richness of the scallops. Just drizzle sparingly!
Pesto Infusion: Combine a spoonful of basil pesto with the garlic butter for an aromatic flavor profile that’s utterly irresistible.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in some sautéed asparagus or cherry tomatoes alongside the scallops for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Miso Garlic Glaze: Incorporate a tablespoon of miso paste into the garlic butter for an umami boost that turns the dish into a savory delight.
Cauliflower Mash: Serve your scallops over creamy cauliflower mash instead of risotto for a low-carb, silky-smooth alternative that’s satisfying and nutritious.

Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe FAQs

How can I select the best scallops for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing scallops, look for large, fresh ones that are plump and have a slightly sweet scent of the ocean. Avoid those with dark spots or a strong fishy smell, which can indicate they aren't fresh. Ideally, you should try to get dry scallops, as wet scallops (soaked in additives) do not sear as well.

How should I store leftover scallops?
Very good question! Leftover scallops should be cooled and transferred to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Just make sure to label them so you remember when they were cooked!

Can I freeze leftover scallops, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your expertly cooked pan-seared garlic butter scallops, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

What’s the best way to reheat scallops without overcooking them?
The key to reheating scallops is to do it gently. In a skillet over low heat, add a drizzle of butter or olive oil and place the thawed scallops in the pan. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until warmed through. Make sure not to cook them too long, or they will turn tough!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re serving guests, keep in mind that scallops are a shellfish, so check for any shellfish allergies. Additionally, you may want to substitute ingredients such as using a dairy-free butter alternative for lactose intolerant guests. Always feel free to modify the recipe according to dietary needs!

What can I serve with pan-seared garlic butter scallops to make it a full meal?
Great thought! These scallops pair wonderfully with creamy risotto, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad. If you're in the mood for pasta, linguine tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic works perfectly too, creating a delightful culinary experience. Remember, the more the merrier!