Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A buttery scallop dish with a hint of bay seasoning, inspired by the historic Alcatraz Island's coastal surroundings. This seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz total) scallops, butter, fresh bay leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bay leaves and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just firm, pressing gently to ensure they sear properly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in white wine and lemon slices; let simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and serve scallops with the reduced sauce drizzled over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz total) scallops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alcatraz Bay Scallop Skillet?

Seafood seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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