Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops
Plump scallops seared to a golden crust with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs sea scallops, butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz sea scallops dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding; sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 1 more minute.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over scallops and toss to coat. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops?
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 Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops?
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 Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops 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 Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Scallops?
French 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.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
