🧈🧄 Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops
Golden, Tender, Restaurant-Style Scallops at Home
These Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops are beautifully golden on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, and finished with a simple garlic butter that enhances their natural flavor. They come together in minutes but feel elegant enough for date night, holidays, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
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1 lb large sea scallops, patted completely dry
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh lemon juice, to finish
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Scallops
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Remove the side muscle from scallops if present.
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Pat scallops very dry with paper towels—this is key for a good sear.
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Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Heat the Pan
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
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Heat until butter is melted and the pan is shimmering.
3️⃣ Sear the Scallops
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Place scallops in the pan in a single layer, leaving space between them.
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Sear 2–3 minutes per side without moving, until a deep golden crust forms.
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Flip once and cook the second side just until opaque in the center.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter
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Reduce heat to medium-low.
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Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan.
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Spoon the melted garlic butter over the scallops for 30–60 seconds.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
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Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops.
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Garnish with parsley if desired.
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Serve immediately.