Restaurant Style Seared Scallops
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
I absolutely love preparing restaurant-style seared scallops at home. The golden crust on the outside combined with the tender, juicy inside makes for an impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple techniques, we can create a gourmet experience right in our own kitchens. Perfect for date nights or impressing guests, these scallops melt in the mouth and provide a delightful flavor that makes every bite worth savoring.
My journey to perfecting seared scallops began with countless trials. I quickly learned that achieving that beautiful caramelization was all about the heat and timing. After multiple attempts, I found that using a cast iron skillet ensures even heating and gives a perfect sear. Additionally, not crowding the pan allows each scallop to brown beautifully.
While experimenting, I discovered the importance of patting the scallops dry before seasoning. This simple yet effective step ensures that they sear instead of steam, leading to a delightful texture that is both crispy and tender. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and taste the difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Golden, crispy exterior with a tender interior
- Impressive presentation that wows guests
- Quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Mastering the Sear
The key to achieving a perfect sear on your scallops lies in ensuring they’re completely dry before they hit the pan. Patting them down with paper towels will remove any excess moisture, preventing steaming and allowing that beautiful golden crust to develop. When you season them, use a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, as this enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
When heating the olive oil in your skillet, it’s crucial to reach the right temperature. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it's hot enough for a good sear. A well-heated pan will result in a beautiful crust, while a pan that’s too cool will lead to rubbery, overcooked scallops. If you're unsure, drop a small piece of scallop in as a test; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready!
Finishing Touches
Adding butter and lemon juice at the end enriches the dish significantly and enhances the overall flavor profile. The butter Browned just enough in the pan creates a nutty aroma that combines beautifully with the zest of the lemon, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Be careful not to overcook the scallops during this step; they should only need about a minute of additional cooking.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the scallops. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving for added texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for your seared scallops.
Ingredients
- 10 large sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before cooking.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect seared scallops.
Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat the Pan
In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.
Sear the Scallops
Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to crowd them. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add Butter and Lemon
In the last minute of cooking, add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet, spooning the melted butter over the scallops.
Serve
Remove the scallops from the skillet and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your beautifully seared scallops with a side of your choice!
Pro Tips
- Ensure your scallops are dry for a proper sear, and use high heat to prevent steaming. Experiment with different herbs and seasonings for personalized flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Sea scallops are best used fresh, but if you’re purchasing frozen scallops, opt for dry scallops over wet. Wet scallops are often treated with a preservative that can impart a soapy flavor and prevent proper browning. If you’re using frozen scallops, it's essential to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking.
For a touch of richness, you can substitute the butter with ghee or plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you're looking for a citrus twist, lime juice can be swapped for lemon juice, providing a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover seared scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, due to their delicate texture, they are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat them, doing so gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes is the best approach. Avoid microwaving, as it can result in a rubbery texture.
For meal prep enthusiasts, consider preparing the scallops just before serving to maintain their wonderful texture. However, you can also have your accompaniments ready ahead of time—think about a side of lemon garlic green beans or a light salad. This way, your dinner is quick to assemble and you can still present a gourmet experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ What type of scallops should I use?
Use large sea scallops for the best texture and flavor.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Scallops are best served immediately after cooking, but you can prep other components in advance.
→ What sides pair well with seared scallops?
Serve with a light salad, sautéed vegetables, or creamy risotto for a complete meal.
→ Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and dried before cooking for the best results.
Restaurant Style Seared Scallops
I absolutely love preparing restaurant-style seared scallops at home. The golden crust on the outside combined with the tender, juicy inside makes for an impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple techniques, we can create a gourmet experience right in our own kitchens. Perfect for date nights or impressing guests, these scallops melt in the mouth and provide a delightful flavor that makes every bite worth savoring.
Created by: Chantel Rivers
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: Serves 2
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 10 large sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.
Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to crowd them. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
In the last minute of cooking, add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet, spooning the melted butter over the scallops.
Remove the scallops from the skillet and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- Ensure your scallops are dry for a proper sear, and use high heat to prevent steaming. Experiment with different herbs and seasonings for personalized flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 30g