Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter recipe: 5 Easy Steps

Quick Overview

There’s something magical about perfectly seared scallops with garlic butter that can transform an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This dish might seem intimidating – something reserved for fancy restaurants and professional chefs – but I’m here to let you in on a secret: seared scallops with garlic butter is one of the easiest impressive dishes you can make at home.

What makes this recipe special is the beautiful contrast between the caramelized, golden-brown exterior of the scallops and their tender, almost buttery interior. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, aromatic finish that elevates these delicate morsels to star status. And the best part? You can have this restaurant-worthy dish on your table in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you read that right – 15 minutes to culinary excellence!

The Ingredients I Use to Bring My Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter to Life

To create this stunning yet simple dish, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (about 12-15) large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to add a hint of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

The foundation of perfect seared scallops with garlic butter begins with proper preparation. First, inspect your scallops and remove the small side muscle (a rectangular piece that might be attached to the side) if present – this part can be tough when cooked.

The most crucial step: thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This isn’t just a suggestion – it’s absolutely essential for achieving that gorgeous golden crust. Moisture prevents a good sear, so be thorough when drying. Once the surface is dry, generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan Properly

Selecting the right pan is almost as important as the quality of your scallops. I recommend a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron skillet – these materials retain heat beautifully and distribute it evenly.

Place your chosen pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. This is a critical moment – you want your pan hot enough that the oil is shimmering but not smoking. A properly heated pan ensures that beautiful caramelization without overcooking the delicate scallop meat.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops to Perfection

With your pan properly heated, it’s time for the main event. Carefully place the scallops in the pan, making sure to leave enough space between each one. Overcrowding is a common mistake – it causes the scallops to steam rather than sear, robbing you of that coveted golden crust.

Now, fight the temptation to move, poke, or flip the scallops too soon! Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the bottom edge has that beautiful golden-brown color and they release easily from the pan.

Once flipped, cook for just 1-2 minutes more on the second side. Properly cooked scallops should be slightly firm to the touch but still have a bit of give – overcooked scallops become rubbery and tough. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly after removal from the heat.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the scallops are perfectly seared, transfer them to a warm plate. Now for the crowning glory of our seared scallops with garlic butter – the sauce itself!

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same pan, taking advantage of all those flavorful brown bits left behind. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic turns bitter).

Add the lemon juice (stand back slightly as it might sizzle) and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine all the flavors, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain concentrated flavor that will elevate your sauce.

Step 5: Reunite and Serve

Return the scallops to the pan, gently coating them in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, give everything a gentle toss in the pan, and immediately transfer to serving plates.

The entire process from start to finish takes just 15 minutes, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. Seared scallops with garlic butter offer that perfect balance of elegance and simplicity that makes for an unforgettable meal.

What to Serve Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter With

Seared scallops with garlic butter deserve accompaniments that complement their delicate flavor without overwhelming them. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Risotto: A simple lemon risotto or mushroom risotto provides a creamy bed that catches all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Pasta: Angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs makes for a light, elegant base.
• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce!
• Vegetable Sides: Consider roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay beautifully complements the richness of the scallops and butter.

Top Tips for Perfecting Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

After preparing this dish countless times, I’ve discovered several secrets that elevate good seared scallops to exceptional ones:

1. Choose the Right Scallops: Always opt for “dry pack” or “dry” scallops rather than “wet” scallops. Wet scallops are treated with a solution that causes them to absorb water, making them impossible to sear properly and giving them a slightly chemical taste.
2. Temperature Matters: Let the scallops rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. If they go straight from the fridge to the hot pan, the sudden temperature change can cause them to contract, leading to a tough, rubbery texture.
3. Visual Cues: Look for scallops that are slightly translucent with a pearly white or very light tan color. Avoid scallops that appear too white (likely treated with chemicals) or those with dried-out edges.
4. Don’t Move Them: Once the scallops are in the pan, don’t touch them until it’s time to flip. Moving them interrupts the caramelization process.
5. Clarified Butter Alternative: For an even more intense sear, use clarified butter (ghee) instead of olive oil. It has a higher smoke point and adds wonderful flavor.
6. Garlic Alternative: If you’re worried about burning the garlic, try infusing the butter with whole garlic cloves first, then removing the cloves before adding the scallops back to the pan.
7. Herb Variations: While parsley is classic, chives, tarragon, or thyme all work beautifully in the garlic butter sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

While seared scallops with garlic butter are at their absolute best when served immediately after cooking, life sometimes requires flexibility. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Storing: If you have leftover scallops, cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days maximum. The garlic butter sauce can be stored separately in its own container if you prefer.

Reheating: Scallops are delicate and can easily overcook when reheated. The best method is to warm them gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of butter or oil, just until heated through (about 2 minutes). Alternatively, you can enjoy leftover scallops cold in a seafood salad!

Not Recommended for Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cooked scallops as their texture significantly deteriorates upon thawing and reheating.

Seared scallops with garlic butter remain one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of properly seared scallops bathed in aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that tastes like hours of work but requires just minutes of your time. Whether for a special date night, dinner party, or simply because you deserve a little luxury on a Tuesday, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without leaving your kitchen.

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