Garlic Butter Scallops
Garlic Butter Scallops
Ingredients
For the Scallops
- 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, about 20-25 scallops, patted very dry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, 2 sticks
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, from a tube or freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Arrange them on a cutting board or plate.
⏱️ 3 min
- 2
Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Preheat a large griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over high heat for about 3-5 minutes. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Carefully place the seasoned scallops onto the hot griddle in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the surface. Cook in batches if necessary.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Allow the scallops to cook undisturbed for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom side.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Using tongs, flip each scallop to cook the other side. Cook for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the scallops are opaque throughout.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Transfer all the cooked scallops from the griddle into a warm cast iron pan or serving dish.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
⏱️ 3 min
- 9
Whisk the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes together for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
⏱️ 1 min
- 10
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
⏱️ 1 min
- 11
Pour the hot garlic butter sauce directly and evenly over the cooked scallops in the cast iron pan or serving dish.
⏱️ 1 min
- 12
Serve the garlic butter scallops immediately, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Garlic Butter Scallops
For the Scallops
- 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, about 20-25 scallops, patted very dry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, 2 sticks
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, from a tube or freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Arrange them on a cutting board or plate.
⏱️ 3 min - 2
Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and black pepper.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Preheat a large griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over high heat for about 3-5 minutes. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Carefully place the seasoned scallops onto the hot griddle in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the surface. Cook in batches if necessary.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Allow the scallops to cook undisturbed for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom side.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Using tongs, flip each scallop to cook the other side. Cook for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the scallops are opaque throughout.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Transfer all the cooked scallops from the griddle into a warm cast iron pan or serving dish.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
⏱️ 3 min - 9
Whisk the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes together for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
⏱️ 1 min - 10
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
⏱️ 1 min - 11
Pour the hot garlic butter sauce directly and evenly over the cooked scallops in the cast iron pan or serving dish.
⏱️ 1 min - 12
Serve the garlic butter scallops immediately, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
⏱️ 1 min