Easy Seared Scallops Recipe

User Reviews

5

30 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    155 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    American

Easy Seared Scallops Recipe

Easy Seared Scallops rely on sea scallops seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then quickly seared in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil. This creates a brown crust with a juicy, tender interior. The straightforward method highlights the natural scallop flavor and texture while providing a lightly crisp exterior.

Description

This recipe uses sea scallops, which have a larger size and meatier texture than bay scallops. After rinsing and patting dry, scallops are seasoned and seared in a mix of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Cooking about three minutes per side creates a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and opaque white.

The dish's flavor is simple, letting the slight sweetness of the scallops stand out against the butter's richness and the light seasoning. Cooking times are monitored closely to avoid overcooking, which can toughen scallops.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three days or frozen for up to three months, reheated gently to maintain texture. The recipe notes provide tips for handling scallops sticking in cast iron pans and safe internal cooking temperatures.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound sea scallops about 15 scallops
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle them with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large (14-inch), heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other.
  4. Sear the scallops for about 3 minutes on each side. You want a nice brown crust on both sides.
  5. When fully cooked, the inside should be white and moist. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Sea scallops are preferred here for their size and meatiness, allowing for a flavorful crust with a moist center.
  • In cast iron skillets, scallops may stick after initial searing; gently slide a thin spatula underneath to release them without tearing.
  • Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F as recommended by the USDA for safety.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
  • Reheat scallops gently in the microwave covered to preserve moisture and texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 0.25recipe Calories 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 323mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 155 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25recipe
Calories 155kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 323mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

30 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)

BBQ Beef Sloppy Joes

American
5.0 (30 reviews)