Golden Sear Scallops Recipe: Buttery Bites of Ocean Bliss

Ocean-fresh scallops offer a delightful canvas for culinary creativity when you sear them to golden perfection.

Delicate seafood demands precise technique and careful attention.

Maritime chefs know these tender morsels require minimal seasoning and maximum respect.

Coastal kitchens celebrate this elegant protein with simple yet sophisticated preparation methods.

Salt and pepper become magical companions to these pristine medallions.

A hot skillet becomes your secret weapon for achieving that irresistible caramelized exterior.

Crisp edges and silky centers await you in this remarkably simple cooking adventure.

Scallops That Sear Like a Restaurant Dish

Speedy Gourmet Delight: Whip up restaurant-quality scallops in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients and technique.

Foolproof Technique: No complex cooking skills required – anyone can achieve perfectly golden, tender scallops with simple pan-searing method.

Versatile Elegance: Perfect for romantic dinners, impressive appetizers, or quick weeknight meals that feel luxurious without hours of preparation.

Flavor Explosion: Garlic butter and lemon create a rich, zesty sauce that elevates simple seafood into a mouthwatering culinary experience.

The Essentials for Searing Perfect Scallops

• Scallops: Sweet, delicate seafood that creates a golden crispy exterior when seared perfectly. Large sea scallops work best, look for dry-packed without added water for better caramelization.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Classic seasoning mix that enhances scallops' natural flavor. Sea salt provides clean taste, freshly ground black pepper adds warmth, smoked paprika brings subtle smokiness.

• Olive Oil: Provides high-heat cooking medium with light flavor for initial searing. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps create golden brown crust. Unsalted butter gives more control over saltiness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses butter with intense, sweet flavor. Fresh garlic cloves provide best taste.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that cuts through richness and enhances seafood's natural sweetness. Fresh lemon works best.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note. Flat-leaf parsley recommended for most flavor.

Scallops Searing Technique

Step 1: Prep Gorgeous Scallops

Thoroughly blot scallops with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.

Generously season each side with robust sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a whisper of smoky paprika for added depth.

Step 2: Ignite Sizzling Skillet

Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over fierce medium-high heat.

Wait until oil dances and shimmers, signaling the perfect cooking temperature.

Step 3: Create Golden Perfection

Gently place scallops into the scorching pan, ensuring they’re not crowded.

Let them develop a stunning caramelized crust for 1½–2 minutes on the first side.

Carefully flip and cook an additional 1–1½ minutes until edges turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Elevate with Buttery Goodness

• Creamy butter
• Finely minced garlic

Tenderly baste scallops with the aromatic garlic butter for about 30 seconds, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Brighten and Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops for a bright, citrusy finish.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Transfer immediately to warm plates and serve with enthusiasm.

Smart Tips for Searing Scallops Perfectly

• Use clean paper towels to thoroughly pat scallops, removing excess moisture for a crispy, golden-brown exterior that guarantees restaurant-quality searing.
• Wait until oil is shimmering but not smoking to prevent burning and achieve an ideal golden crust without scorching the delicate scallops.
• Space scallops separately in the pan to maintain high heat and promote even caramelization, preventing steaming instead of searing.
• Cook scallops for precisely 1½–2 minutes per side, watching for a deep golden color that indicates perfect doneness without becoming rubbery.
• Finish with garlic butter and fresh lemon juice to add richness and brightness, elevating the scallops' natural sweetness in just moments.

Seared Scallops Storage

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Gently warm scallops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter to prevent drying out, cooking for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Skip microwaving as it can make scallops tough and rubbery, destroying their delicate texture.
• Consume refrigerated scallops quickly for optimal taste and safety, discarding if they develop an off smell or slimy texture.

Simple Sides for Seared Scallops

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty white wine with bright acidity that cuts through the richness of buttery scallops, enhancing their delicate seafood flavor.
• Create Citrus Quinoa Salad: Prepare a light quinoa salad with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette to complement the scallops' delicate texture and garlic butter notes.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Grill thin asparagus spears with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper to provide a green, earthy side that balances the scallops' richness.
• Select Champagne Pairing: Choose a dry, sparkling champagne that adds elegance and cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, buttery scallop dish.

Seared Scallops Elegant Options

• Gluten-Free Herb Scallops: Replace smoked paprika with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a gluten-free, allergen-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Scallops: Swap butter with coconut oil or avocado oil, and add orange zest instead of lemon juice for a light, Mediterranean-inspired alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Spicy Scallops: Use ghee instead of olive oil, add red pepper flakes for heat, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives to enhance the low-carb approach.
• Substitute scallops with thick cauliflower rounds, marinate in seaweed seasoning, and follow the same searing technique for a plant-based seafood alternative.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and a slightly translucent center. Overcooked scallops become rubbery, so aim for 2-3 minutes total cooking time. They should feel firm but still have a slight give when pressed.

• Why is drying scallops so important before cooking?

Removing moisture helps create a beautiful golden crust by allowing the scallops to sear instead of steam. Wet scallops won’t develop that delicious caramelized exterior that gives them incredible flavor and texture.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them extremely dry before cooking. Frozen scallops can release more moisture, so extra drying is crucial to achieve a perfect sear. Always choose high-quality, fresh-looking scallops for best results.

• What kind of pan works best for searing scallops?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create that perfect golden crust. Avoid non-stick pans, as they won’t provide the same level of caramelization.

Sear Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent seafood dreams come alive with perfectly seared scallops, a culinary masterpiece that elevates dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Golden-brown edges and delicate interiors promise an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with pure coastal delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large sea scallops (about 10–12 scallops)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Cooking Fats and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the scallops using clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee a perfect caramelized exterior.
2. Generously season both surfaces of the scallops with a blend of kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional smoky paprika for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over intense medium-high heat, introducing olive oil until the surface shimmers with anticipation.
4. Carefully arrange scallops in the skillet, maintaining strategic spacing to prevent steaming and promote individual caramelization.
5. Allow the first side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 90-120 seconds, resisting the urge to disturb the delicate morsels.
6. Gently flip each scallop, revealing the gorgeous seared surface, and cook the opposite side for an additional 60-90 seconds.
7. Reduce the heat and introduce butter and finely minced garlic, creating a fragrant emulsion that will envelop the scallops with luxurious aromatics.
8. Delicately baste the scallops with the infused garlic butter, allowing the flavors to meld for approximately 30 seconds.
9. Eliminate the skillet from heat and brighten the dish with a vibrant splash of fresh lemon juice.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately to preserve the scallops’ tender, succulent texture.

Notes

• Pat scallops super dry to achieve that golden, crispy exterior without steaming them.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for the most even, intense heat distribution and perfect caramelization.
• Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops over wet-packed ones for better searing and cleaner flavor profile.
• Season scallops right before cooking to prevent moisture draw-out and ensure maximum flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg