few ingredients

Garlic Butter Seared Scallops

Name: Garlic Butter Seared Scallops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz large sea scallops; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 unit cloves garlic; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper

When you need a high-end dinner feel without the actual effort of a complex prep.

Total: 15 min
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 10 min
Serves: 2
Difficulty: easy
Calories: 315
Cost: $$$/serving

There are nights when you want something that feels special and sophisticated, but your energy levels are hitting zero. These seared scallops are your secret weapon because they cook incredibly fast while offering a buttery, rich flavor that feels like a restaurant treat. By focusing on just a few high-quality components, we cut out the decision fatigue of complex sauces or multi-step processes. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan, and the aroma of toasted garlic will fill your kitchen almost instantly. It is the ultimate low-friction win for a weeknight dinner—elegant enough to impress, but simple enough to make when you just want to relax.

Ingredients

10 oz large sea scallops — pat very dry before cooking
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 unit cloves garlic — minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper

Method

1 Pat the scallops extremely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for getting a golden-brown crust.
2 Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and black pepper.
3 Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter; once it melts and begins to foam, add the scallops.
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4 Sear the scallops undisturbed for 2 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
5 Flip the scallops. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan.
6 Baste the scallops with the melting garlic butter for 1-2 minutes until they are just opaque in the center.
7 Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice before serving immediately.

Variations

Herb Infusion — Add 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley or thyme to the butter during the final basting step.
Speedy Sauté — If you're extra short on time, skip the browning and sear for a total of 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

To ensure a perfect sear, make sure your skillet is hot before the scallops hit the pan. If the butter foams too quickly, just lower the heat slightly.