If you’re looking for a dinner that feels effortlessly luxurious and ready in minutes, you’re in for a treat with these Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops. Each bite promises a golden-crisp exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth inside, warmly enveloped in a sauce that sparkles with freshness from lemon and parsley. This dish is my personal go-to when I want a meal that wows, whether it’s date night at home or a special family celebration. Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops come together with just a handful of ingredients, but they taste like you’ve spent hours at the stove. Trust me, everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds!

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops is their simplicity—each ingredient matters, enhancing the sweet, briny scallops with layers of flavor and color. Let’s walk through the essentials and what each brings to the table.

Sea Scallops: The star of the show! Look for large, fresh or well-thawed dry sea scallops for the best sear and flavor.
Olive Oil: Offers a neutral, slightly fruity base to help those scallops develop that crave-worthy golden crust.
Salt: Enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness and seasons every bite just right.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness of the butter and scallops.
Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt: Extra creamy and already nicely seasoned—a smart shortcut to an even silkier sauce.
Garlic: Gives the dish its signature aroma and depth; use fresh minced garlic for best results.
Lemon: Provides a burst of brightness; its juice lifts the sauce while sliced rounds add a lovely finishing touch.
Parsley: Sprinkled on at the end, parsley offers a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that makes the dish sing.

How to Make Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

First, take a moment to pat your scallops completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to achieving that golden, caramelized crust. Once dry, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the scallops in the hot pan, spacing them out so they aren’t crowded. Sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, letting them get beautifully golden before turning. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan. Once both sides are seared and the scallops are opaque, transfer them to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Buttery Garlic Sauce

Return your skillet to the heat and add the Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt. As the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Squeeze in the juice from half of your lemon, which will brighten the entire sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Gently nestle the scallops back into the skillet and spoon some of that luscious garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and top with a few lemon slices. Serve immediately over pasta or alongside your favorite side, with extra lemon wedges if desired.

How to Serve Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

Garnishes

The right garnish will turn your Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops from simple to stunning. A scatter of vibrant, freshly chopped parsley brings out the colors of the dish and infuses each bite with freshness, while extra lemon wedges let everyone add a pop of brightness to suit their taste.

Side Dishes

These scallops shine when served over a silky bed of pasta, but don’t stop there. They’re just as wonderful paired with creamy risotto, garlicky mashed potatoes, or even a fresh seasonal salad. Keep sides simple to let the Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops remain the star of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond a classic plate, try piling the scallops onto crisp crostini for an elegant appetizer, or serve them family-style in the skillet for an inviting, rustic feel. For an entertaining wow-factor, place your Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops atop individual portions of herbed polenta or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops left over, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days. Be sure to include a bit of the buttery sauce to help keep them moist and flavorful—nobody likes a dry scallop!

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for cooked scallops (they can become rubbery once thawed), you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Store them in a tightly sealed freezer container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep the scallops tender when reheating, warm them over low heat in a skillet with a splash of extra butter or even a little water or broth, just until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can quickly overcook and toughen those precious Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the scallops in the refrigerator, then dry them very well with paper towels before searing. This ensures you still get that unbeatable golden crust on your Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops.

How do I know when scallops are cooked perfectly?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and feel firm but springy to the touch—usually around 2 to 3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye as they sear in the pan.

What’s the best type of pan to use?

A heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron or stainless steel is ideal for giving your Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops an even, golden-brown sear without sticking. Avoid nonstick pans, as they can prevent proper browning.

Can I use regular butter instead of the specific brand?

Yes, you can use your favorite butter; just be sure to season with a little extra sea salt if needed since the Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt provides both richness and a hint of saltiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the dish itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of your side choices; if you’re serving Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops over pasta, opt for a gluten-free variety if necessary.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops recipe enough when you want maximum flavor from minimal effort. It’s restaurant-quality luxury, right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special night in or treating your loved ones, it’s sure to become a regular on your table. Give it a try and let the buttery, garlicky magic sweep you off your feet!