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Learn how to make perfectly seared scallops with this easy recipe! You only need 5 simple ingredients to make this impressive recipe. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!
How to cook Scallops
Scallops are one of those things that are SO simple to cook, and yet, so simple to screw up. I have to admit I botched a few batches myself back in the day (it was like eating rubber!), but with their hefty price tag, I quickly made it my mission to learn the key to a perfectly seared scallop. And by perfect, I mean a scallop with a flavorful crust and an interior so tender it basically melts in your mouth. That’s perfection!The good thing about this whole post is that perfectly seared scallops are easy as 1-2-3. I totally was going to type “easy as pie”, but ya know, these little guys are so much easier than that whole situation 😉
The first thing you want to do is make sure you have good quality scallops. I know they’re pricey, but I think that if you’re going to put in the effort – especially with seafood – freshness and quality are always key. So get the best you can.
Once you’ve selected your scallops, all you need to do is pat them dry, sprinkle them well with salt and pepper (freshly grated is always the best!), and toss them in a buttered hot skillet.
Now! Here’s where you need to pay attention – do not over cook these babies! I repeat: DO NOT OVERCOOK. Pardon the yelling; but that part is so crucial!!!
Oh, and serve these sensational scallops right away!!! They shouldn’t wait more than a few minutes before entering a mouth. And just a heads up – they always taste best fresh from the skillet, so I’d suggest stealing one or two straight from the pan before serving 😉
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Scallop Recipes
- Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce
- Honey-Glazed Scallops
- Pan-Seared Scallops with Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers
Perfectly Seared Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon for squeezing, optional
Instructions
- Remove tiny side muscle from the scallops if they have them, then rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Add the butter and oil to a large saute pan over high heat.
- Generously salt and pepper the scallops. Once the butter/oil combo begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching. Sear scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side - not touching them at all while they're searing. The scallops should have a nice golden crust on each side and be translucent in the center. Serve right away!!!
What would you serve with these scallops? Will be making them this weekend!
Just made these for dinner. They were delicious! Even my husband commented on how good they were, and he doesn’t do that too often.
This is the recipe for bay scallops that I have been looking for! Simple. Delicious! Thanks.
These scallops were amazing!!
This recipe is so easy, quick and delicious! It will be part of the Father’s day meal I am making for my husband tonight
@bakerbynature Those scallops look devine!! I have made scallops before and they were just so-so. I believe it definitely would have an impact on them being much better if I bought the dry-packed scallops instead of wet-packed ones. I cannot wait to try your recipe! Thank you so much!!
What is the best way to thaw scallops once frozen?
I planned to cook them straight away, but life forced me to freeze them…
Thank you in advance
These look and sound delicious. Hubby and I always have a seafood meal on Christmas day. Our children spend the day with their family. We have our family celebration later. I had given up on having scallops because they always taste terrible, I can’t wait to try these.
My husband and I LOVE this recipe! We use it for almost every special occasion. To the point that we hardly ever go out for dinner because we would both rather just have seared scallops. And this recipe is perfect, the scallops come out buttery in texture and flavor and perfectly seasoned every time. Thank you!
OMG….this was the best recipe. Super easy…super quick and unbelievably delicious. I was grilling steaks for hubby’s birthday and decided to add scallops when I saw they were on sale. Found this recipe but he wasn’t keen on the idea. I cooked them anyway. When he saw them, he changed him mind!!!! They looked perfect and they tasted divine!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!
I dip my scallops in egg/lemon juice and gently roll in Italian bread crumbs seasoned with a little garlic and Parmesan cheese. Gives them a light crust but oh so tasty.