Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic
Perfectly seared sea scallops with a bright herbal finish, ready in under 15 minutes. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs Sea scallops, Olive oil, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp, chopped Fresh dill
- 1/2, juiced Lemon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz sea scallops dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add scallops in a single layer, ensuring they aren't crowded, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and seared.
- Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1/2 lemon, then immediately remove from heat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic 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 Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic?
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 Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic?
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 Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic 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 Sautéed Scallops with Fresh Dill and Garlic?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
