• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cafe Delites

for good food lovers

  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
    • BOOKS
  • Contact Me
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer
      • Copyright
    • MEDIA
You are here: Home / Recipes / Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

By Karina 42 Comments Filed Under: Dinner

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Have These Super Easy and Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops on your table in less than 10 minutes! Coated in a deliciously silky lemon garlic butter sauce!

Cheaper than going out to a restaurant and just as good as chef made scallops! These crispy, pan seared and juicy Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are the ultimate treat when it comes to scallop recipes! Serve as a starter or main, nothing melts in your mouth quite like tender-crisp and buttery scallops.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops on your table in less than 10 minutes, coated in a deliciously silky lemon garlic butter sauce! Cheaper than going out to a restaurant and just as good as chef made scallops! They are the ultimate treat! | cafedelites.com

Scallops

With so many shrimp recipes on this site, it was high time I gave the mic over to scallops. And what a recipe to kick us off! You have all been writing in telling us how much you loved this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe and this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Both are so similar to how we cook scallops, I had to share this one with you in time for Good Friday!

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Just one of the many ways we love our scallops! Most people are extremely intimidated to cook scallops, especially because of their high price tag. Something you don’t want to spend so much money on only to have it go completely hay-wire. But that’s also the beautiful thing about scallops. They are a luxury and a feeling of fine dining washes over you when you have a bowl full of scallops and a glass of your favourite wine in hand.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are the ultimate treat! | cafedelites.com

How To Prepare Scallops

Try to find scallops without the bright orange or coral coloured crescent-shaped part still attached (or roe). The orange part can be a little bitter, however some people do like this part of the scallop. It’s personal preference. If you can only find them with the roe attached, you can pull it off and discard it. If you have bought whole scallops, you will need to remove that and the muscle that attaches the scallop to the shell. For this reason, we buy frozen wild caught scallops without the roe.

How To Thaw Scallops

  • Thaw scallops in a bowl of cold water for about 10-20 minutes until thawed completely, or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Make sure to thoroughly pat them dry with paper towel to absorb all the liquid before searing.

Homemade Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are cheaper than going out to a restaurant and just as good as chef made scallops | cafedelites.com

How To Cook Scallops

Understanding how quickly scallops cook means you’ll never be intimidated again! They only take four to five minutes to cook — that’s it! You’ll have no chance of messing them up from now on. Guaranteed.

  • Heat an oiled skillet or pan until it’s sizzling. Key step right here. You want them to sizzle and crisp to a golden colour on the outside.
  • The first scallop should sizzle as soon as it hits the oil. If it doesn’t, wait and let the pan continue heating before adding any more.
  • Use a large pan to avoid over crowding, or cook in batches to make sure they are at least 1-inch apart.
  • Sear them without moving them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Done!

How to Cook Scallops | cafedelites.com

Both sides of a scallop should be seared to a perfect golden-brown ‘crust’ with the sides opaque all the way through. They should be firm to the touch, but still slightly soft with a little bounce to them.

Watch how we make our scallops right here!

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops | cafedelites.com

Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Have Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops on your table in less than 10 minutes, coated in a deliciously silky lemon garlic butter sauce! Cheaper than going out to a restaurant and just as good as chef made scallops! They are the ultimate treat!
PRINT SAVE go to your favorites
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds (600 grams) scallops
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  • If scallops are frozen, thaw in cold water. Remove the side muscle from the scallops if attached. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling. Add the scallops in a single layer without over crowding the pan (work in batches if needed). 
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and fry for 2-3 minutes on one side (until a golden crust forms underneath), then flip and fry again for 2 minutes until crisp, lightly browned and cooked through (opaque). Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, scraping up any browned bits left over from the scallops. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
  • Pour in wine (or broth) and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and lemon juice.
  • Remove pan (skillet) from the heat; add the scallops back into the pan to warm through slightly and garnish with parsley. 
  • Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 334mg | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 8.8mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops on your table in less than 10 minutes, coated in a deliciously silky lemon garlic butter sauce! Cheaper than going out to a restaurant and just as good as chef made scallops! | cafedelites.com #seafood #scallops #easyrecipes #garlicbutter #lemon
« Menu Plan Week 14
Easter Menu Planning! »

Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and Receive Recipes Straight Into Your Inbox!

Image of a white plate with Chili Garlic Butter Shrimp in a buttery sauce
Artisan Bread in a dutch oven pot | cafedelites.com
Sautéed Green Beans | cafedelites.com
The best, juicy roast Beef Tenderloin slathered with garlic butter that melts in your mouth with every bite! Even better when served with a rich and rustic, easy to make red wine sauce (or jus) | cafedelites.com
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken | cafedelites.com

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebecca Tunnacliffe says

    December 21, 2020 at 11:13 am

    5 stars
    I don’t usually cook, but I took this on with much praise for the final produce. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Rebecca Tunnacliffe says

    December 21, 2020 at 11:12 am

    So delicious! and simple

    Reply
  3. Kevin says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    5 stars
    Second time making this today, this is an awesome recipe!! Tastes like a high end restaurant over pasta as a main dish or a great appetizer on its own with some bread to dip in the sauce. 😋

    Reply
  4. Chris says

    November 17, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    Super bomb and so easy. The way this tasted made me feel I an A-level chef. Thanks for the gift.

    Reply
  5. John and Nancy Silander says

    November 01, 2020 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    excellent, simple, delicious and easy

    Reply
  6. Mafalda Braga says

    October 03, 2020 at 5:09 am

    5 stars
    First time trying to cook scallops! Absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  7. Masha Tolstoy Sarandinaki says

    September 16, 2020 at 9:22 am

    5 stars
    Made these tonight! So delicious!! Easy recipe!! Served with whole wheat pasta and tomato, onion cucumber salad!!

    Reply
  8. Marko says

    August 01, 2020 at 9:15 am

    5 stars
    Very simple. Very tasty. Easy cleanup. I had no lemon, so I used fresh squeezed lime juice. Fantastico!

    Reply
  9. Doreen says

    June 17, 2020 at 8:58 am

    5 stars
    These were amazing! So simple and delicious!

    Reply
  10. MarissaB says

    June 02, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    So quick and scrumptious. Loved the sauce. Thanks for this recipe. It’ll become a staple for us, I’m sure.

    Reply
    • Jeff in the 281 says

      August 13, 2020 at 8:12 am

      PERFECT! Amazing sauce to go over the scallops and Casarecce pasta. I used a cast iron skillet and did 2 minutes on the first side, and then 90 seconds on the second side. I used an oaked Chardonnay that had pear, apple, and vanilla notes…it gave the sauce a fresh taste.

      Only recipe that I will use for scallops! Thank you very much for the recipe.

      Reply
  11. Terrell Martin says

    May 24, 2020 at 11:23 am

    5 stars
    I made this tonight and it was my first time ever to cook scallops. I watch Hells Kitchen a lot and see Ramsey continually having issues with the way they come out for alot of folks,so I will say I was a bit worried. BUT THEY WERE AMAZING! I just followed the recipe using chicken stock. Came out perfect. We will do this again

    Reply
  12. Dawn says

    May 10, 2020 at 7:22 am

    Karina, Thanks for sharing your scallop recipe. They were delicious! I can’t work to try your other recipes.

    Reply
  13. Shelia says

    March 01, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Just made the butter garlic scallops with peas over flat noodles. Just delicious!!

    Reply
  14. Sunit Patel says

    November 10, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    This is an amazing recipe. I used more garlic than recommend because I love it of course.

    Reply
  15. Kristen Hecksher says

    August 19, 2019 at 10:16 am

    5 stars
    Just made it and both my husband and I loved it! Excellent recipe and so delicious! Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Mari says

    June 07, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    Had this tonight and everyone loved it including my 14 year old son who is a picky eater. I added a little more butter and followed the recipe exactly. Super delicious with crusty bread and a simple green salad. Thank you.

    Reply
  17. Katherine LeRoy says

    April 30, 2019 at 3:20 am

    This is making my mouth water and I do have scallops in my freezer. But I have just started weight watchers to take off 15 pounds. Has anyone tried this with less than the 5 tablespoons of fat? I realize that’s what makes it taste so good but I’m wondering if it has turned out well for anyone using less? And thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Ken McCusker says

      May 30, 2020 at 3:04 am

      You certainly can use less butter and a try a different oil… I’m doing this tonight

      Reply
    • Barbara says

      August 20, 2020 at 4:02 am

      I use cooking spray and no butter or oil, they come out delicious. I am also on WW.

      Reply
  18. Julie Mcpherson says

    February 25, 2019 at 11:22 am

    5 stars
    Made the recipe tonight. Followed the directions exactly and it was perfect, Delicious!

    Reply
  19. Steve says

    February 03, 2019 at 6:39 am

    Made these last week. Awesome, tasted wonderful and filling. Thanks for the recipe and website. Going to try piccatta chicken tonight.

    Reply
  20. Chris says

    November 28, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    5 stars
    I made them last night and it was fantastic! Made it with broiled asparagus and a kale and quinoa salad.

    Reply
  21. Karen Billingsley says

    November 09, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    where is all the sodium coming from? I don’t see any actual salt in the recipe!

    Reply
    • michele says

      December 05, 2018 at 6:18 am

      5 stars
      Scallops are salt water mollusks so by their very nature they are sodium loaded.

      Reply
    • Don Lawrence says

      December 22, 2018 at 9:40 am

      5th line salt and pepper to taste

      Reply
    • Sandy Rapoza says

      January 10, 2019 at 8:46 am

      Original video shows adding salt and pepper!

      Reply
  22. SHARYN says

    November 02, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    bay or sea scallops?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      November 07, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      Either is great! Enjoy! XO

      Reply
    • Karen Billingsley says

      November 09, 2018 at 11:35 pm

      looks like sea scallops to me – they are bigger and is what I always use

      Reply
  23. Denise Ireland-Miller says

    October 01, 2018 at 10:16 am

    5 stars
    This was super easy and tasted excellent! To keep the scallops tender, definitely do not cook them more than 3 minutes per side. Enjoy!

    Reply
  24. Cynthia says

    September 18, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    How many scallops per serving?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      September 20, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      About 4-5 scallops per person.

      Reply
  25. Shelley says

    August 20, 2018 at 3:03 am

    Best scallops I have ever had!!!! So easy too!

    Reply
    • Blanch says

      January 02, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Did u use wine or broth? If broth what kind ?

      Reply
  26. Kathleen G Douglas says

    June 09, 2018 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    We had it tonight. Very, very good! 5 stars.

    Reply
  27. Alexis says

    May 29, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    5 stars
    Made this last week, it was my first time cooking scallops and it was super easy! The recipe is great and very simple to follow. I served with rice and asparagus, yum.

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 29, 2018 at 11:18 pm

      That sounds great! I love your sides! Thank you for sharing and following along with me! XO

      Reply
  28. Crystal says

    April 12, 2018 at 9:25 am

    What kind of broth?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      April 12, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      You are welcome to use chicken broth or a light and flavorful broth that you love.

      Reply
  29. Jack says

    March 26, 2018 at 11:08 am

    What goes well with scallops if I’m using them as a main?

    Reply
    • Karina says

      March 26, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      You can always add a salad, rice, or mashed potatoes. I do love steamed broccoli too. This sounds like a great main dish! Enjoy!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR A RECIPE? SEARCH HERE!

HEY Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you!

Welcome! My name is Karina and this is my internet kitchen hang-out. A self-confessed balanced foodie sharing some waistline friendly recipes that are full of flavour. Life is too short for bland and boring. …

Read More

Connect with Karina – Cafe Delites

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and Receive Recipes Straight Into Your Inbox!

CONNECT WITH KARINA – CAFE DELITES

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Archives

Categories

COPYRIGHT © 2023 CAFE DELITES. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy