Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon
Elegant seafood with a citrusy-bitter glaze that elevates pan-seared scallops to restaurant quality. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs sea scallops, Aperol, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz sea scallops
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz sea scallops dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering, then add scallops in a single layer without crowding; sear for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crusty.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 oz Aperol and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet, swirling to create a glaze; cook for 1 minute until slightly reduced and bubbling around the edges.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and remove from heat immediately; let scallops rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon?
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 sea scallops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon?
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 Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Aperol-Infused Seared Scallops with Lemon?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better seafood dishes though.
