Easy Seared Scallops Recipe

Every time we would head out to a nice restaurant for dinner, scallops were my number one choice to order. I love scallops. There’s something about a fresh scallop that is both filling and somehow light, refreshing, and flavorful.

I had always assumed I’d never be able to make my restaurant favorite pan seared scallops at home for a handful of reasons – they’re too difficult to make, they’re too expensive, they won’t be fresh, etc.

Boy, was I wrong.

Scallops are seriously one of the easiest dishes I now make at home. Scallops take almost no time to make (it’s legitimately quicker and easier to make the scallops themselves than any sides I serve with them). We are also blessed because we live next to a local market with a fish monger – I’m able to snag scallops fresh and the quality is top notch.

SO – if you’re able to get your hands on some scallops and are dying for an EASY recipe to whip them up at home, this post is for you. I don’t ever cook my scallops in any intricate sauces. I rarely even season my scallops. I literally rely on the fresh, high quality taste of the scallop itself to stand alone (but like, also with a little garlic, ya know?).

I’ve included my super easy pan seared scallop recipe for you below. When it comes to sides – get creative! I typically pair my scallops with hearty (but healthy!) sides like sweet potato mash, quinoa, or sautéed spinach.

I hope ya’ll enjoy this recipe! Scallops are seriously such a luxurious little treat that I’m so happy we now get to enjoy at home.

Print Recipe

Pan Seared Scallops

Scallops make a delicious and light, yet luxurious meal – and they're incredibly easy to make.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time4 mins

Course: Main Course

Keyword: scallops, seafood

Equipment

• 1 medium sized pan
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic chopped
• 8 large scallops fresh – best purchased same day

Instructions

• Begin by chopping your garlic. Set aside.
• Unwrap your scallops and set aside.
• Warm your pan over medium heat. Once warm, drizzle olive oil into pan.
• Immediately after adding olive oil, add chopped garlic into the pan and stir, allowing the garlic and oil to simmer.
• Once garlic begins to turn golden, bump your heat up from medium to high. You're now ready to sear your scallops.
• Add your scallops to your pan. You will sear your scallops for two minutes per side. I recommend setting your first two minute timer as soon as you place your first scallop in the pan.
• When your first two minute timer is up, use your tongs to flip the scallops over starting with the first scallop you added to the pan and ending with the last scallop added to the pan. Again, cook two minutes for this second side.
• DO NOT OVERCOOK. Remove your scallops after the second two minute timer and serve immediately.
• Enjoy!

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