Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender sea scallops pan-seared until golden, finished with a bright garlic butter and fresh lemon juice, inspired by coastal oyster bar flavors. This seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large, patted dry sea scallops, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 12 large sea scallops evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place scallops in the skillet, spaced apart, and sear for 2-3 minutes without moving until the bottoms are golden brown and release easily.
  4. Step 4: Flip the scallops and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, spooning melted butter and garlic over scallops until cooked through and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, coating the scallops.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with the pan juices spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and 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 Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and 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 Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon?

Seafood 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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