Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-08 · Updated 2026-04-08

Perfectly seared scallops with a bright citrus-thyme finish, highlighting the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs sea scallops, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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

• 1 lb sea scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon
• 2 tsp fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb sea scallops dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque.
3. Step 3: Remove scallops from skillet and add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the pan, stirring to combine. Return scallops to the pan, tossing gently, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.