Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon-Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

Perfectly caramelized scallops paired with a bright, herby sauce that complements their natural sweetness. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs sea scallops, unsalted butter, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz sea scallops
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

The cast-iron skillet we’d sear this in → Best Cast Iron Skillets for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz sea scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add scallops in a single layer, ensuring they aren't touching. Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp minced garlic and 1 tbsp chopped dill, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic. Whisk in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, then cook for 1 minute until thickened. Pour sauce over scallops and serve immediately.