5 Best Seared Scallops Recipes

delicious seared scallops recipes

If you think cooking scallops is just for fancy restaurants, think again! You can whip up some mouthwatering seared scallops right in your own kitchen. From zesty lemon butter to a spicy Asian twist, there's a recipe to tickle your taste buds. And trust me, once you get that perfect sear down, you'll be impressing friends in no time. Curious about the top five must-try recipes that'll have everyone asking for seconds? Let's explore!

Classic Seared Scallops With Lemon Butter Sauce

Classic seared scallops with lemon butter sauce is a delightful dish that highlights the sweet, tender flavors of scallops while complementing them with a bright and zesty sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is both elegant and easy to prepare.

The key to achieving that perfect sear lies in using a hot pan and not overcrowding it, guaranteeing each scallop develops a beautiful golden crust.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.

Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the scallops to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then return the scallops to the pan to coat them in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure your scallops are very dry before cooking; this will help achieve a perfect sear.

Also, avoid turning the scallops too soon; letting them cook undisturbed allows for that lovely crust to form.

If you want to enhance the dish further, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Finally, serve the scallops immediately to enjoy their tender texture at its best.

Spicy Asian-Inspired Seared Scallops

seared scallops with spice

Spicy Asian-Inspired Seared Scallops are a delightful fusion of flavors that enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops with a kick of heat and umami. This dish combines the rich taste of perfectly seared scallops with a zesty sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and chili paste. Served over a bed of sautéed vegetables or jasmine rice, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of sea scallops, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables for serving

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it's shimmering.

Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the hot skillet, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are opaque in the center.

While the scallops are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.

Once the scallops are done, remove them from the skillet and pour the sauce mixture into the same pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Return the scallops to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Extra Tips:

To achieve the best sear on your scallops, make sure they're completely dry before cooking, as moisture will prevent a good crust from forming.

Also, verify your skillet is hot enough before adding the scallops; if it's too cool, they'll stick and won't sear properly.

Feel free to adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili paste to suit your preference.

Finally, serving the scallops with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Seared Scallops With Garlic and Herb Quinoa

Seared scallops with garlic and herb quinoa is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of perfectly seared scallops and the wholesome goodness of quinoa. This recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also offers a sophisticated presentation, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The nutty flavor of the quinoa paired with fresh herbs and garlic provides a beautiful base for the succulent scallops, creating a harmonious balance that's sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
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Cooking Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet once the oil is hot. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and opaque in the center.

In the last minute of cooking the scallops, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and stir in the thyme, parsley, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve the scallops over the garlic and herb quinoa with lemon wedges on the side.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure that the scallops are very dry before searing; this will help achieve a nice golden crust.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the scallops to steam instead of sear. If you're unsure about the doneness of the scallops, a quick check with a fork will reveal their opaque center indicating they're perfectly cooked.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a splash of white wine to the pan for an extra layer of flavor!

Creamy Tomato and Basil Seared Scallops

seared scallops with basil

Creamy Tomato and Basil Seared Scallops is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil. This dish not only highlights the natural flavors of the scallops but also adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of fresh scallops, patted dry
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Start by seasoning the scallops with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the scallops to the pan in a single layer and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they're golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and chopped basil. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Return the scallops to the skillet, allowing them to warm through in the sauce before serving.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Extra Tips:

When cooking scallops, make certain they're as dry as possible to achieve a nice sear.

Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to guarantee the best flavor balance.

Enjoy your meal!

Seared Scallops With Mango Salsa

Seared scallops with mango salsa is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of perfectly seared scallops and the vibrant flavors of fresh mango salsa. This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

With just a few key ingredients, you can create a stunning plate that will impress your family and friends while providing a taste of the tropics.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large sea scallops
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

Start by preparing the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro, then mix gently and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Next, pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Carefully add the scallops to the skillet without crowding, and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are opaque in the center.

Remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on a serving plate, topping them generously with the mango salsa.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure your scallops are dry before searing; moisture can prevent them from developing that beautiful crust.

Use a high-quality olive oil for searing, and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the scallops. If you prefer a bit more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add some diced red chili.

Serve the dish immediately for the best taste and texture, and consider pairing it with a light salad or rice to complete the meal. Enjoy this invigorating and flavorful dish!


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