Pan Seared Scallops

Easy Lemon Butter Scallops — Pan Seared 10 Minutes is my go to dinner for nights when I want something that feels fancy, but I do not want a sink full of dishes. Maybe you have been there too: you are hungry, you are tired, and takeout is calling your name. This recipe is basically a quick little magic trick with a hot pan, a handful of ingredients, and a timer you actually listen to. The lemon butter sauce smells like a restaurant, but it is totally doable at home. If scallops have ever felt intimidating, I promise this is the easiest way to make friends with them.

What Are Scallops?

Scallops are a type of shellfish, and the part we usually eat is the round, meaty muscle. They are mild, slightly sweet, and when cooked right they have that dreamy texture that is tender inside with a light crust outside.

You will mostly see two types:

Sea scallops are the larger ones and the best pick for this recipe. They are easier to sear and harder to overcook in seconds.

Bay scallops are small and cook super fast. They are tasty, but they are a little harder to get that golden crust without overdoing them.

The flavor of scallops is pretty simple, so this is why lemon and butter are such a perfect match. The sauce gives them richness, the lemon keeps it bright, and a little garlic makes everything smell amazing. If you are planning a whole lemony dinner, I also love pairing this with easy baked cod with lemon herb panko crust on another night because the vibe is similar but the method is different, so it keeps things interesting.

How to Sear Scallops

If you only remember one thing, make it this: dry scallops sear, wet scallops steam. That is the whole game. Once they are dry and your pan is properly hot, the rest is fast.

What you will need

• Sea scallops, about 1 to 1.25 pounds
• Salt and pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (zest optional, juice required)
• Optional: parsley or chives for a fresh finish

My simple 10 minute method

1) Pat the scallops dry really well with paper towels. I do this twice if they look extra moist. Season with salt and pepper.

2) Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add oil. Wait until it looks shimmery, like it is ready to work.

3) Place scallops in the pan with space between them. Do not move them around. Let them cook about 2 minutes, sometimes 3 if they are thick.

4) Flip once. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more. You want a golden crust and an inside that is still tender.

5) Lower the heat a bit. Add 1 tablespoon butter and the garlic. Stir for about 20 to 30 seconds so the garlic smells good but does not burn.

6) Add the rest of the butter and squeeze in lemon juice. Swirl the pan and spoon the sauce over the scallops. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed.

The whole thing moves quickly, so I like having everything ready before the scallops hit the pan. This is one of those recipes where multitasking is not the vibe. Just focus on the sear and you will be rewarded.

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“I tried these lemon butter scallops for date night and they came out better than our usual restaurant spot. The sear was perfect, and the sauce was gone in minutes because we kept dipping bread into it.”

If you want a super easy side that matches the quick timing, I am obsessed with this air fryer asparagus recipe in just 10 minutes. It is basically the perfect green thing to put on the plate next to scallops.

How to Buy Scallops

Buying scallops can feel confusing because the labels are not always clear, but here is what I look for every time.

Look for dry packed if you can. Dry packed scallops are not soaked in a solution, so they brown better and taste cleaner. Wet scallops are often treated with a solution that can make them release water in the pan. That makes searing harder.

Smell matters. Scallops should smell fresh, like the ocean, not fishy. If they smell strong, skip them.

Size matters too. For Easy Lemon Butter Scallops — Pan Seared 10 Minutes, I like large sea scallops because you get that pretty restaurant style crust without the center turning rubbery.

Fresh or frozen? Frozen is totally fine. In many places, frozen is actually fresher because they are frozen quickly. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and dry them really well before cooking.

If your store has scallops that look very white and sitting in a lot of liquid, those are usually wet scallops. You can still cook them, but you need to dry them aggressively, and sometimes you may need to drain the pan and start fresh with a bit more oil.

For more easy seafood dinners that also lean bright and buttery, I keep easy baked tilapia lemon butter herb in my back pocket for busy weeks when I want hands off cooking.

Tips For Success

This is the part where I save you from the little mistakes I made the first few times. Scallops are simple, but they are picky about a few details.

Dry them like you mean it. This is the number one tip. If you want that golden crust, the surface has to be dry.

Do not overcrowd the pan. If the scallops are too close together, the pan cools down and you get steaming. Cook in two batches if you need to. It is worth it.

Use a real skillet. Stainless steel or cast iron works great. Nonstick can work in a pinch, but you will usually get a lighter sear.

Watch the heat when you add butter. Butter can burn fast on high heat. Once you flip the scallops and they are close to done, lowering the heat keeps the sauce tasting sweet and nutty instead of bitter.

Do not overcook. Scallops go from perfect to chewy quickly. You want them just opaque and tender. If you are nervous, pull them a touch early because the heat in the pan keeps cooking them for a moment.

Also, keep in mind that Easy Lemon Butter Scallops — Pan Seared 10 Minutes is best right when it is made. If you wait too long, the crust softens and the scallops cool down fast. So I like to have plates ready and sides done first.

Serving Suggestions

These scallops are rich and bright, so I usually keep the sides simple. Here are a few ways I love serving them.

• With asparagus for a clean, fresh plate. That is why I mentioned the air fryer version earlier.
• Over a small mound of rice or orzo so the lemon butter sauce has something to soak into.
• With crusty bread because you will want to mop up every drop.
• Alongside a sheet pan protein for a bigger spread when friends come over. I have done a mix and match dinner with easy lemon herb chicken thighs sheet pan roasted for the non seafood folks, and everyone is happy.

And if you are doing a full lemon theme night, I highly recommend dessert. Something like easy lemon bars with a bright tangy buttery crust keeps the vibe going in the best way.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then pat them very dry. If they still seem wet, let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes and pat again.

Why are my scallops not browning?
Usually it is because they are too wet, the pan is not hot enough, or the pan is overcrowded. Dry them well and give them space.

How do I know when scallops are done?
They should be opaque and tender, not translucent. They still should have a little give when you press them. If they are stiff, they are probably overdone.

Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead?
I would not, because it is best fresh and it takes about a minute. You can prep the garlic and lemon ahead so it is ready to go.

What is the best pan for this?
Stainless steel or cast iron. They hold heat well and help you get that sear.

A quick wrap up before you cook

If you take anything from my kitchen ramble today, let it be this: dry scallops, hot pan, quick cook time, and a simple lemon butter finish. Easy Lemon Butter Scallops — Pan Seared 10 Minutes is one of those recipes that makes a random weeknight feel special without extra stress. If you want to compare methods or just see another reliable version, check out Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce – Completely Delicious or Seared Scallops with Garlic Lemon Butter – Small Town Woman. Now grab that skillet and do not overthink it, you are about to make something really good.