Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Style Scallops with Lemon Herb Butter

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

Tender sea scallops seared to a golden crust and finished with a bright lemon herb butter sauce reminiscent of classic oyster bar flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs large (about 1 lb) sea scallops, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 large sea scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams and oil shimmers.
  3. Step 3: Add scallops to the skillet spaced evenly, cooking without moving for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden-brown crust.
  4. Step 4: Flip scallops gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque throughout but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove scallops from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook the sauce for 1 minute until it slightly thickens.
  8. Step 8: Spoon lemon herb butter over scallops and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Style Scallops with Lemon Herb 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Style Scallops with Lemon Herb 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 Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Style Scallops with Lemon Herb 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Oyster Bar Style Scallops with Lemon Herb Butter?

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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