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Creamy Garlic Scallops are just as good as restaurant scallops with minimal ingredients and maximum flavour! A silky, creamy garlic sauce with a hint of lemon coats crispy, buttery scallops! With only a handful of ingredients, you're minutes away from having the most incredible scallops on your dinner table! | cafedelites.com
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4.99 from 65 votes

Creamy Garlic Scallops

Creamy Garlic Scallops are just as good as restaurant scallops with minimal ingredients and maximum flavour! A silky, creamy garlic sauce with a hint of lemon coats crispy, buttery scallops! With only a handful of ingredients, you're minutes away from having the most incredible scallops on your dinner table!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: scallops
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 316kcal
Author: Karina

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds (600 grams) scallops
  • 2 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 (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (light, full fat or thickened cream. For a lower fat option, use evaporated milk)
  • 1 tablespoon 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. Add cream and allow to simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Remove pan (skillet) from the heat; stir in lemon juice and 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: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 570mg | Potassium: 363mg | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 7.3mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.8mg