Herb-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter
Perfectly caramelized sea scallops topped with a zesty lemon-dill butter sauce, ready in under 15 minutes for a luxurious low-carb dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto) ready in about 18 minutes pairs unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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.
Ingredients
- 12 large (about 1.5 lbs total) sea scallops
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 (zest and 2 tbsp juice) lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 large sea scallops (about 1.5 lbs total) dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 300°F), then add scallops in a single layer without crowding.
- Step 3: Sear undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until opaque and just cooked through (do not overcook).
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice, swirling until butter is foamy and sauce coats the back of a spoon (about 1 minute).
- Step 5: Immediately transfer scallops to plates, spooning excess sauce over top and garnishing with additional dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Herb-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter 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.
Is Herb-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
