Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Garlic butter scallops are rich, buttery, and ready in under 20 minutes. This beginner-friendly seafood recipe is perfect for date nights or easy dinners. With just a few pantry staples and fresh scallops, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet in a single layer.
- Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add lemon juice and stir. Return scallops to the skillet and spoon butter over them.
- Cook for 1 more minute to warm through. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For best results, use dry-packed sea scallops. For a twist, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for added depth. Garlic butter scallops are best served immediately.