Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce
Tender seared scallops served with a bright citrus-infused butter sauce inspired by coastal oyster bars. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large sea scallops, unsalted butter, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pieces large sea scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 12 large sea scallops and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to ensure a good sear.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add scallops in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving, until golden crust forms.
- Step 3: Flip scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until opaque and firm; then transfer to a warm plate.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and create a vibrant citrus butter sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Spoon sauce over scallops and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce?
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 Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce 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 Oyster Bar-Style Seared Scallops with Citrus Butter Sauce?
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.
