Quick and Easy Seared Scallops With Herbs

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/7/23
Seared Scallops With Herbs

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
276 Calories
19g Fat
6g Carbs
18g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 276
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 10g 48%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 674mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 18g
Calcium 22mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These easy seared scallops are ready in less than 30 minutes.

The butter and herb sauce includes a dry white wine and a small amount of lemon zest; it complements these sea scallops perfectly. 

Serve these delicious seared scallops with a rice dish or angel hair pasta with Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops (about 12 to 16 scallops)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • For the Butter and Herb Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons shallots or onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chives (finely chopped)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • Dash salt (or to taste)
  • Dash freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • Garnish: lemon wedges

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Rinse the scallops, remove the tough abductor muscle (see the tips) if not already removed, and dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  3. Cut large scallops in half horizontally, if desired. Set aside.

  4. Put the 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a skillet.

  5. Heat over medium heat until hot and butter is foamy or about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

  6. Add the scallops and sear for about 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned on both sides and somewhat firm but with a little give when lightly pressed with a finger.

  7. Cook the scallops in batches, if necessary to keep them in a single layer.

  8. Put the scallops on a warm plate and keep warm.

  9. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, along with the finely chopped shallots or onion.

  10. Cook, stirring until the onion is translucent and softened.

  11. Add the wine and simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes or until reduced by about one-half.

  12. Add the lemon zest along with the chopped fresh chives and parsley.

  13. Reduce heat to low.

  14. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and whisk until melted.

  15. Return the scallops to the skillet and cook, gently turning, until warmed through.

  16. Sprinkle the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

  17. Serve drizzled with the sauce mixture, along with lemon wedges.

  18. Enjoy!

Tip

  • Choose scallops that are uniform in size and white. They should be firm and look slightly moist.
  • The scallop's abductor muscle is a small, white rectangular piece of the scallop that is tougher than the rest of the flesh. Just pinch it off and discard them. You might have some with them and some without, so don't worry if you can't find it on all of the scallops.