Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Perfectly seared scallops with a simple lemon-butter sauce, ready in under 15 minutes. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs Scallops, dry-packed, Butter, Lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 450 g Scallops, dry-packed
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 450 g dry-packed scallops dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add scallops in a single layer, searing undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes until just opaque in the center.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Swirl until butter is melted and sauce thickens slightly, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 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 scallops, dry-packed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon 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 Scallops with Lemon Butter 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 Scallops with Lemon Butter?
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.
