White Dust-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Tender scallops seared to a golden crust dusted with a white salt and pepper blend, served with a bright lemon butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large (about 1 lb) sea scallops, sea salt, white pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 12 large (about 1 lb) sea scallops
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 large sea scallops dry and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper, then lightly dust each scallop with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the scallops in a single layer and sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Step 3: Flip the scallops and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan, spooning melted butter over the scallops as they cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove scallops to a warm plate and stir 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice into the butter sauce in the pan. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the scallops and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does White Dust-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter 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 White Dust-Crusted 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 sea salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in White Dust-Crusted 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 White Dust-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter 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 White Dust-Crusted Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter?
Mediterranean 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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