Recipe

Perfectly Seared Scallops

Golden crust, tender center, and a quick lemon brown butter pan sauce. A restaurant-level scallop dinner that actually behaves on a weeknight.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A cast iron skillet on a stovetop with perfectly seared sea scallops with a deep golden crust, lemon wedges, and herbs

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Seared scallops are one of those dishes that look like you made a reservation, not dinner. The secret is not fancy ingredients or a chef coat. It is heat, dryness, and the confidence to leave them alone for a minute.

This recipe gives you that dramatic, caramelized crust with a sweet, juicy center, plus a fast lemon brown butter sauce that tastes like you definitely know what you are doing. If you can pat something dry and resist poking it, you can pull this off.

Why It Works

Dry scallops = real browning. Moisture is the enemy of the crust. Patting them dry and lightly salting right before cooking gets you that golden sear instead of a sad simmer.
A screaming-hot pan does the heavy lifting. High heat + a thin film of high smoke point oil creates fast, even browning before the interior overcooks.
Simple timing. Most large sea scallops need about 2 minutes per side. The goal is a deep crust, not a long tan.
Brown butter sauce in the same pan. After the scallops come out, butter, garlic, lemon, and a splash of liquid pick up the browned bits for a glossy, bright finish.

Storage Tips

Scallops are at their best the moment they hit the plate, but leftovers can still be delicious if you treat them gently.

Refrigerate

Cool scallops quickly, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Store sauce separately if you can. It reheats more evenly that way.

Reheat (without turning them into erasers)

Best method: Warm scallops in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of sauce or a tiny splash of water, just until heated through.
Microwave method: Use 50% power in short bursts. Stop the moment they are warm.

Freezing

I do not recommend freezing cooked scallops. Texture takes a nosedive. If you have raw scallops to freeze, freeze them raw and sear fresh later.

Common Questions

What kind of scallops should I buy?

Look for large sea scallops labeled dry or chemical-free. Avoid “wet” scallops if possible, meaning scallops treated with sodium tripolyphosphate. They hold extra water, so they steam instead of sear.

Why are my scallops not browning?

Your pan was not hot enough.
The scallops were wet. Pat them very dry.
You overcrowded the pan. Cook in batches.
You salted too early. Salt draws out moisture. Salt right before they go in.

Do I remove the side muscle?

Yes, if it is still attached. It is the small rectangular tab on the side. Peel it off and save it for stock if you are feeling extra.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then drain and pat extremely dry. If they still feel damp, lay them on paper towels for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque on the outside with a slightly translucent center, and springy but not firm. Overcooked scallops feel tight and rubbery. If you use a thermometer, aim for about 115 to 125°F in the thickest part.

What should I serve with seared scallops?

Anything that loves sauce: mashed potatoes, risotto, polenta, crusty bread, or a simple garlicky sautéed spinach. Also, scallops and crispy roasted potatoes are a power couple.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cast iron or stainless steel skillet (10 to 12-inch is ideal)
Paper towels (non-negotiable for drying)
Tongs or a thin fish spatula
Small spoon for basting (optional but satisfying)
Instant-read thermometer (optional, for extra confidence)

The first time I made scallops at home, I treated them like tiny, fragile celebrities and hovered over the pan like a stage mom. I flipped too soon, crowded the skillet, and ended up with pale little coins swimming in their own feelings.

Now I do the opposite. I dry them like they owe me money, heat the pan until it is properly dramatic, and I do not touch them until the crust releases. The result is that restaurant “okay wow” bite, and the only thing that gets messy is the butter sauce, because I will absolutely spoon it over everything in a three foot radius.