Sautéed Scallops with White Wine and Chives
Perfectly seared scallops in a light white wine sauce, finished with fresh chives for a touch of brightness. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs Scallops, Olive oil, Butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 Scallops
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup White wine
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped Fresh chives
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add scallops in a single layer and cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
- Step 3: Flip scallops and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just opaque in the center. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
- Step 6: Return scallops to skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 7: Stir in chopped chives and cook for 30 seconds until wilted. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Scallops with White Wine and Chives take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 White Wine and Chives?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Scallops with White Wine and Chives?
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 White Wine and Chives 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 White Wine and Chives?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfectly cooked scallops, the white wine sauce was light and elegant. My dinner guests were impressed!
- ★★★★★
The chives added the perfect fresh note. Served with roasted asparagus, it was a showstopper.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the sauce was a bit bland for my taste. Next time I'll add a pinch of lemon zest.