Buttery Garlic Scallops – A Restaurant-Quality Seafood Dish at Home

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, elegant, and full of flavor. It uses minimal ingredients, highlights the natural taste of scallops, and delivers restaurant-style results in under 20 minutes. It is perfect for seafood lovers who appreciate simplicity done well.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sea scallops are the star of this dish. Large, dry-packed scallops are ideal because they sear beautifully and develop a caramelized crust without releasing excess moisture.

Butter forms the base of the sauce. It provides richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout the dish.

Olive oil is used alongside butter to prevent burning and to achieve an even, golden sear on the scallops.

Garlic adds depth and aroma. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor and infuses the butter quickly.

Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. Light seasoning before cooking is enough to bring everything into balance.

Black pepper adds gentle warmth and complements the garlic without overpowering the scallops.

Lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced finish.

Fresh parsley provides a touch of color and freshness. It also lightens the overall flavor profile just before serving.

Directions

Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a proper sear.

Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

Place the scallops in the pan, leaving space between each one. Sear without moving them for about two minutes until a golden crust forms.

Flip the scallops and cook for another one to two minutes until just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Stir in lemon juice, then return the scallops to the pan, spooning the garlic butter over them.

Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves two to three people.

Preparation time is about 5 minutes.
Cooking time is approximately 10 minutes.
Total time is around 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Scallops are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is easy to adapt while keeping its elegant simplicity. For added richness, a splash of heavy cream can be stirred into the garlic butter sauce for a slightly thicker finish.

If you enjoy herbs, thyme or chives make excellent additions and pair well with scallops.

For a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat without overwhelming the dish.

You can also serve these scallops over pasta, risotto, or mashed potatoes to turn them into a more substantial meal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Scallops are high in protein and low in fat, making them a nutritious seafood option. This dish is naturally gluten-free and fits well into low-carbohydrate diets.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Dry Scallops Thoroughly
Moisture prevents proper browning, so drying is essential.

Do Not Overcook
Scallops cook quickly and should remain tender, not rubbery.

Hot Pan Matters
A properly heated skillet ensures a perfect sear.

FAQs

How do I know when scallops are cooked?

They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but thaw and dry them thoroughly before cooking.

Why didn’t my scallops brown?

The pan may not have been hot enough, or the scallops were too wet.

Can I use clarified butter?

Yes, it works very well and resists burning.

Are bay scallops suitable?

They can be used, but cooking time will be shorter.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A splash of white wine adds depth if reduced briefly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, simply reduce garlic if needed.

What sides pair well with scallops?

Light salads, rice, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but sear scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Should scallops be rinsed?

No, just pat them dry with paper towels.

Conclusion

Buttery Garlic Scallops are proof that simple ingredients and proper technique can create an exceptional dish. With their quick preparation and refined flavor, they are perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you try them, they are sure to become a staple in your seafood repertoire.

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