Garlicky Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce

Name: Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs dry sea scallops (10 to 20 per pound, tendons removed); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; Salt & pepper (to taste)

Close-up of pan-seared scallops in a luscious brown butter sauce atop a bed of rice, garnished with roasted Brussels sprouts and a lemon wedge. The scallops are golden brown and glistening.

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Tender, pan-seared scallops are beautifully caramelized and served in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon.

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Know Before You Scroll

Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery scallops perfectly caramelized and paired with a nutty, garlic-infused brown butter sauce brightened by lemon zest.
Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple steps with gourmet results.
What You’ll Need: Dry sea scallops, salt, black pepper, vegetable oil, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, fresh parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice.
Equipment: Paper towels, large nonstick skillet, small saucepan, plate, foil, wooden spoon, tongs.
Top Tip: Pat scallops super dry for that crisp, golden sear. Moisture is your crust’s enemy!
Make Ahead Note: Prep the brown butter sauce ingredients ahead and store separately—just warm and combine right before serving.
Time-Saving Hack: Use pre-minced garlic to speed things up on busy nights.
Ingredient Swap: Out of fresh parsley? Chives or dill also taste delicious!

Restaurant Quality At Home

This dish makes me feel like I’m living my best restaurant life without leaving my kitchen, and I’m here for it. I’ve made these Pan Seared Scallops on date nights, dinner parties, and straight-up regular Tuesday nights because they’re surprisingly easy for how crazy fancy they look.
They’re golden and buttery with that perfect crispy sear, and the brown butter sauce? Don’t even get me started. It’s rich, nutty, garlicky, and just the right amount of lemony.

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I’m not saying I’m obsessed with these pan seared scallops, but… okay, yeah, I’m absolutely obsessed. They’re golden and buttery with that perfect crispy sear, and the brown butter sauce? Don’t even get me started. It’s rich, nutty, garlicky, and just the right amount of lemony.

Listen, I know searing scallops can feel intimidating. One minute too long and they’re overcooked. One minute too short and they’re pale and sad. But I promise—it’s actually pretty simple if you follow a few basic rules. Dry scallops. Hot pan. Don’t touch them. That’s it. You’re going to absolutely crush this.

Let’s do it! 🍽️

Close-up of pan-seared scallops with a golden-brown sear. They are garnished with chopped herbs and bathed in a savory brown butter sauce, dotted with pepper and garlic bits. The glistening surface suggests a rich, flavorful glaze that's perfect for any scallops recipe.

Step By Step Instructions

First things first—grab one and a half pounds of dry sea scallops. That’s about 10 to 20 per pound, depending on size. Check for that little side muscle—it’s tough and chewy, so just pinch and pull it off.

Pat the scallops super dry—like, really dry. Use paper towels and give them a good press to get rid of any moisture. This is how you get that crispy golden sear. Set them aside on a plate lined with a clean dish towel and cover with another towel. Let them chill for about 10 minutes while we get that sauce ready.

Pan-seared scallops, seasoned with salt and pepper, are elegantly arranged on a white plate, perfectly complemented by a drizzle of rich brown butter sauce.

Now, for the star of the show—the brown butter sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it’ll get all foamy and smell kind of nutty—this takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep swirling the pan so it browns evenly.

A metal pot filled with bubbling melted butter is shown, its golden yellow hue reminiscent of a rich brown butter sauce in the making. The interior reveals precise measurement markings, perfect for crafting culinary delights like pan-seared scallops.

Once it’s that gorgeous deep golden color, take it off the heat and stir in 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. It’s going to sizzle like crazy, and that’s how you know it’s doing its thing. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Cover it up and set it aside.

Overhead view of a pot of clear golden broth with tiny specks of seasoning floating on the surface, reminiscent of a scattered pattern. The edges of the metal pot frame the image, perfect for pairing with pan-seared scallops or drizzling with brown butter sauce.

Close-up of a pot filled with a seasoned broth, reminiscent of a classic scallops recipe, containing finely chopped herbs, onions, and various spices. The liquid is a rich golden-brown color, with visible green and brown specks of ingredients floating throughout.

Alright, scallop time! Season both sides of the scallops with half a teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until it’s just smoking—this means it’s hot enough for that perfect sear.

Carefully add half of the scallops in a single layer, flat side down. Don’t move them! Let them cook undisturbed for a minute and a half, and you’ll get that golden crust. Flip, give them another minute and a half on the other side, and then transfer to a plate. Tent with foil to keep them warm. Repeat with the remaining scallops and oil.

Pan seared scallops sizzling in a pan, lightly seasoned with pepper, are draped in a rich brown butter sauce.

Now, reduce the heat to low, pour that amazing brown butter sauce into the skillet, and give it a quick stir, scraping up all those browned bits. Let it warm for just 30 seconds, then slide the scallops back into the pan. Spoon that liquid gold over them so they’re totally coated.

Golden-brown pan-seared scallops sizzle in a skillet, their caramelized crust teasing the senses. Scattered artfully, they rest amid traces of oil and browned bits, hinting at a delectable seafood recipe that whispers of rich brown butter sauce.

Plate your scallops, drizzle with a little extra sauce, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Boom! Fancy restaurant vibes from your own kitchen. Serve immediately and get ready to impress everyone at the table

Close-up of pan-seared scallops topped with crispy garlic bits in a rich brown butter sauce, garnished with chopped herbs. A silver spoon holds one scallop, highlighting the detailed texture and caramelization—a true showcase for any scallops recipe.

FAQs

Why are my scallops not browning?

This usually happens if the scallops are too wet or the pan isn’t hot enough. Make sure your scallops are super dry, and use high heat with a little oil for the best sear.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but make sure they’re thoroughly thawed and patted completely dry before cooking. Frozen scallops tend to hold extra moisture, which can make them steam instead of sear.

Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Absolutely! Ghee has a higher smoke point and still gives a lovely, nutty flavor. It’s a great alternative if you’re worried about burning the butter.