Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels fancy but comes together in a flash, this Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe is absolutely your go-to. Trust me, when you get that perfect golden crust on the scallops paired with the rich, fragrant garlic butter drizzle, it’s nothing short of magic. I’ve made this dish countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to impress – plus, it’s surprisingly easy to nail at home. Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through how to get those scallops perfectly seared and bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe plays a vital role—whether it’s seasoning, texture, or flavor harmony. Choosing quality scallops and fresh herbs makes all the difference, so I’ll share my tips for picking the best and how everything plays together.

• Sea scallops: Always opt for large, fresh or properly thawed scallops for tenderness and a beautiful sear.
• Sea salt: Brings out natural sweetness while seasoning gently—avoid table salt for a cleaner flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate scallops.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for searing, as it withstands the heat and adds richness.
• Salted butter: Provides creaminess and helps carry the garlic and herb flavors.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the butter sauce with acidity, balancing the richness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with that irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Fresh thyme: These tiny leaves add an earthy note that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
• Fresh parsley: Its freshness adds a burst of color and lifts the butter sauce.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by switching up herbs or adding a little extra zest. Cooking should always feel like play, so here are some tweaks I swear by, but feel free to experiment and make it yours.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap thyme for fresh basil or tarragon—it adds a unique twist that still complements the scallops beautifully.
• Extra kick: If you’re into a little spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter can be a game changer.
• Dairy-free option: Use a vegan butter substitute and olive oil combo to keep that rich flavor without dairy.
• Seasonal herbs: When summer herbs like dill or chives are in season, I sprinkle those in for freshness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

Start by mixing the softened salted butter with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Don’t worry if the lemon juice doesn’t fully blend in—it adds a zesty touch that wakes up every bite. Set this flavorful butter aside; you’ll add it near the end to infuse the scallops with all those garlicky, herby aromas.

Step 2: Prep and Season Your Scallops

Pat your scallops nice and dry with paper towels—this step is non-negotiable if you want that golden crust. Then season both sides generously with sea salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. The seasoning layers depth and helps create that crave-worthy sear.

Step 3: Get Your Pan Smoking Hot

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and almost smoking. The key here is heat—hot oil means instant sear and no sticking. Resist the urge to crowd the pan; give each scallop room and add them in a single layer. This sets you up for perfect caramelization.

Step 4: Sear Without Disturbing

Place scallops gently in the pan and let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This patience pays off with a golden-brown crust. Flip them over carefully—once flipped, add your garlic herb butter in small chunks around the edges of the pan. Baste the scallops by spooning the melted butter over them for another 2-3 minutes until they’re opaque and just cooked through.

Step 5: Plate and Drizzle the Garlic Butter

Use tongs to remove scallops to your serving plates. Spoon any leftover garlicky butter from the pan over the scallops for extra richness and flavor. I like to serve them immediately for that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme—adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note. A few lemon wedges on the side let diners add a squeeze of brightness just how they like it. Sometimes, I toss a handful of microgreens on top for that elegant, restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve with this dish include creamy risotto or buttery asparagus. If you want something lighter, a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the scallops. For a cozy dinner, mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes are fantastic too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m feeling fancy, I plate the scallops on a smear of cauliflower puree or drizzle a little herb oil around the plate, then sprinkle with edible flowers. For dinner parties, presenting them on a bed of garlic sautéed spinach makes a beautiful statement. No matter how you plate it, those golden scallops never fail to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Scallops taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I find that keeping them separate from the garlic butter helps maintain texture—add the butter fresh when reheating.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze cooked scallops because the texture can turn slightly rubbery after thawing. However, if you must, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed bag. Use within 3 months and thaw fully in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftover scallops quickly in a hot skillet over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes per side. Adding fresh garlic butter right at the end helps refresh the flavor and keeps them tender without overcooking. Avoid microwaving—they tend to get rubbery fast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s both simple and luxurious—something I can whip up on a regular weeknight yet feel like I’m treating myself or my guests to something spectacular. If you follow these steps and tips, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time. Seriously, once you try these scallops with that lush garlic butter, you’ll want to make it again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and let me know how it turns out!

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