Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly seared sea scallops coated in a fragrant herb crust, served atop tender asparagus for a elegant yet effortless weeknight dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs sea scallops, all-purpose flour, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat scallops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, followed by tossing in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, and 1 tsp lemon zest, then press this mixture firmly onto both sides of the scallops.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place scallops in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus to the skillet, nestling it around the scallops. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and scallops reach 125°F internally.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus 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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus?

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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus?

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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus 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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Scallops with Asparagus?

American 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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