Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly seared scallops with a bright citrus-thyme finish, highlighting the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood. This seafood-inspired seafood 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme 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 Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme?

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 sea scallops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme?

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 Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme 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 Scallops with Lemon and Fresh Thyme?

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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