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    Home » Fish & Seafood

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Pan Seared Scallops

    Published: Mar 1, 2020 / Updated: Feb 11, 2021 / 55 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    These beautifully golden pan seared scallops are taken to the next level with a heavenly lemon garlic cream sauce! Ready in about 20 minutes. 

    pan-seared scallops with creamy lemon garlic butter sauce in a skillet

    My sister always sends me recipe ideas, and this is one of hers. It's loosely based off my popular creamy garlic chicken recipe, and it's a wonder I hadn't thought of it myself since I make cream sauces for everything, and garlic could be my middle name. I don't make scallops too often, so that's probably why, I suppose.

    Scallops are actually rather easy to cook at home, but I know that they can be intimidating since they're not exactly the cheapest seafood out there. The key is to sear them in a really hot pan and being careful not to overcook them. They're really not that much different than cooking shrimp, come to think of it!

    This creamy scallops recipe is quick and easy, but it definitely fits for special occasions or when you're entertaining guests. Scallops are just such a treat. I love their subtle sweetness and how they melt in your mouth. They're also much easier to prepare than lobster, and they have a similar taste. That creamy sauce is enhanced by the glorious brown bits from searing the scallops in butter. Mmm...

    This recipe is great as a main course, but it would also work as an appetizer.

    If you're into creamy seafood recipes, try my creamy lemon garlic salmon pasta.

    collage of raw and seared scallops

    How to make pan seared scallops with cream sauce

    1. Ensure the scallops are nice and dry (I pat them dry with paper towel) and trim off the tough band of muscle that some of the scallops may still have (it's easy to spot because it's bright white);
    2. Season the scallops generously with salt & pepper on both sides;
    3. Add the butter and oil to your pan and ensure it's HOT;
    4. Place the scallops in the pan (don't over-crowd them), and sear them on each side for about 2 minutes, then take the scallops out of the pan and set them aside;
    5. Make the sauce by adding in the garlic, chicken broth or wine, and lemon juice. Let it bubble for a minute or so, then add the cream and simmer until it reduces/thickens to your liking;
    6. Add in the scallops and let them just heat through. The middle of the scallops should be somewhat translucent when you cut into them. Do not overcook scallops because they will end up rubbery.

    (Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below)

    close-up of creamy garlic scallops

    What size scallops to use?

    I used U10 extra colossal sea scallops. That means there's about 10 in a pound. You could use larger or smaller scallops (you may be limited to whatever the grocery store sells) but will need to adjust cooking time as needed.

    Can I use frozen scallops?

    Yes, but thaw them first prior to starting the recipe. Unless you live somewhere that scallops come from, chances are you're buying scallops that have been previously frozen, anyway. Scallops should be thawed in the fridge (give them about 24 hours to thaw). 

    What to serve with scallops?

    These scallops with a creamy sauce are great served over pasta or mashed potatoes.

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • I would not recommend replacing the cream with half-and-half or milk because the lemon juice is likely to curdle the sauce.
    • Scallops are very delicate, so be careful not to overcook them or they will end up hard and rubbery. 
    • For a more intense lemon flavor, you could add some lemon zest (I love my Microplane zester). 

    More seafood recipes to try:

    • Chipotle Lemon Tarragon Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
    • Easy Shrimp Alfredo
    • Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta
    • Creamy Lemon Salmon

    pan seared scallops with creamy lemon garlic sauce over spaghetti

    Questions about this creamy scallops recipe? Talk to me in the comments below!

    As always, if you've made one of my recipes, tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.

    pan-seared scallops with creamy lemon garlic butter sauce in a skillet

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Pan Seared Scallops

    These beautifully golden pan seared scallops are taken to the next level with a heavenly lemon garlic cream sauce! Ready in about 20 minutes. 
    4.73 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 635 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound scallops see note on size
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Fresh parsley chopped, to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Pat scallops dry with paper towel. Trim off the tough side muscle that some of the scallops may still have (it looks whiter than the rest of the scallop). Season both sides of the scallops with salt & pepper.
    • Add the butter and oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the scallops and cook them for 2-3 minutes/side. Do not overcrowd the pan, and don't move them around the pan.
    • Take the pan off the heat and remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside. You can cover them with foil to keep them warm if you wish.
    • Add in the garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Return the pan to the heat and let it bubble for about 30 seconds - 1 minute while stirring to scrape up the brown bits.
    • Stir in the cream and let it cook for a few minutes until it reduces to your liking. Add the scallops back into the pan and let them gently warm through. The middles should be somewhat translucent - scallops will become rubbery if they are overcooked. Give the sauce a taste and add more salt & pepper or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

    Notes

    • This serves 2-4 depending on how much people eat (you could serve this as an appetizer or entree). 
    • I used U10 extra colossal size sea scallops. That means that there's around 10 in a pound. 
    • I do not recommend replacing the cream with anything like milk or half-and-half. The sauce won't turn out as nice, and the lemon juice is likely to curdle it.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 207mgSodium: 1131mgPotassium: 579mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1670IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword creamy scallops recipe, pan seared scallops
    Author Natasha Bull
    « BBQ Chicken Pasta
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    1. Caitlyn says

      March 18, 2023 at 5:51 PM

      5 stars
      First time cooking with scallops! It was a success. Thank you for this recipie!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 18, 2023 at 5:53 PM

        That makes me so happy!! 😀

        Reply
    2. MARY says

      December 25, 2022 at 7:48 PM

      5 stars
      Thank you for the recipe. We made these for our Christmas dinner and they were absolutely delicious. My scallops were not as large so cooked them for about 1.5 minutes per side. The sauce was yummy.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        December 26, 2022 at 10:05 AM

        You're very welcome! Thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Mary.

        Reply
    3. Tara says

      September 4, 2022 at 5:02 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and very easy to make!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 4, 2022 at 8:07 PM

        Thank you!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Angela says

      July 16, 2022 at 9:01 PM

      4 stars
      I like the recipe but I usually cook bay scallops. I think they have more flavor than the large ones. This recipe is easy,quick and very flavorful. Plus, I like that it doesn't have more than 6 ingredients. I wouldn't cook these again unless maybe I was frying them.

      Reply
    5. Chris says

      March 9, 2022 at 5:13 PM

      Mine turned out great! (And I even used frozen scallops). Also served it with potatoes and used some of the extra sauce as gravy. Will definitely make again. The only thing I might do different is add some shallots to the sauce.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 9, 2022 at 6:53 PM

        Excellent! So glad it was a hit. Love the shallots idea!

        Reply
    6. Catherine says

      February 18, 2022 at 3:49 PM

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 18, 2022 at 7:15 PM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    7. Bill Hull says

      November 26, 2021 at 8:41 PM

      1 star
      The absolute worst recipe I've ever made. 80% of the scallops were so bad the group spit them out. Followed your "recipe" perfectly. $24/lb scallops, what a waste. Thanks for telling me to make noodles... it saved everybody from going hungry. Creamy sauce was also worthless. Store bought vodka sauce would be way better. Sorry to be rude. It was TERRIBLE!

      Tip: work on... everything.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 26, 2021 at 8:55 PM

        Well, Bill... not sure what you did wrong (or if the scallops you bought were in fact bad), since you're the only one who has given this recipe a negative review. Check out all the 5 star ratings and glowing comments. Glad you actually admit how rude your comment is, though. Happy holidays!

        Reply
      • Cb says

        March 9, 2022 at 4:31 PM

        Who the F makes a recipe for the first time for a large group of people?

        Reply
    8. Janice says

      August 1, 2021 at 1:32 PM

      This was soooo good and very easy to make! Made no changes, and will definitely make it again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 1, 2021 at 1:51 PM

        Fantastic!! Thanks for letting me know, Janice!

        Reply
    9. Brittier says

      June 16, 2021 at 7:42 PM

      5 stars
      So delicious! Paired with angel hair pasta that I added lemon juice, parmigiana and olive oil to.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 16, 2021 at 7:43 PM

        Yay!! So pleased you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for reviewing!

        Reply
    10. Carla says

      April 29, 2021 at 4:14 PM

      5 stars
      Wow this was amazing! We swapped the scallops for shrimp as I’m not a scallop fan and it worked perfectly. So easy too! Will be making again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 29, 2021 at 9:44 PM

        That's great!!

        Reply
    11. Karen says

      April 20, 2021 at 6:37 PM

      5 stars
      I’m a terrible cook but I followed this recipe to the T and it came it excellent. It was definitely restaurant quality. I was so pleased. Thanks for giving precise cooking times. It was so helpful for the scallops. I made it with yellow rice and sautéed green beans. There was plenty of sauce for everything. I had extra lemon wedges on table for an extra squeeze. It was delicious. This will become my company go to meal.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 20, 2021 at 9:10 PM

        Fantastic!! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found the recipe easy to follow. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Alison E says

      February 23, 2021 at 5:48 PM

      5 stars
      Another great recipe! I added some onion and mushrooms and served over pasta. I agree that it needs more lemon but you can definitely adjust to your taste and squeeze some extra at the end. Didn't have any fresh parsley but I think that would have been just perfect. Will definitely make this again, I think it'd be great with shrimp as well...I'm thinking this cream sauce with a little cajun kick with shrimp and andouille sausage?? Thanks for another awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 23, 2021 at 7:16 PM

        Thank you!! For sure... I've made the mistake in the past of suggesting too much lemon for some people, so that's why I err on the side of caution. Easier to add lemon than take it away. Love the Cajun idea!

        Reply
    13. Je says

      January 16, 2021 at 5:24 PM

      5 stars
      This was a crowd pleaser and easy-peasy. Don’t scrimp on the garlic. 6 cloves may seem like a lot but it is perfect. Teenage boys loved it and they are picky eaters.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 16, 2021 at 5:26 PM

        So glad to hear that!! 🙂 Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Kas says

      December 31, 2020 at 6:54 PM

      5 stars
      Soo good! Husband even did a happy dance when he tried it! Used sauce on our mashed potatoes and it was so good! Might pair with steak next time for a delicious surf n turf! Highly recommend!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 31, 2020 at 7:10 PM

        That's awesome!! So glad it was a hit. 🙂 Yes... with a steak would be so good!!

        Reply
    15. Harold and Kim says

      December 30, 2020 at 7:21 AM

      This is a simple and very good recipe however one teaspoon of lemon juice is not enough. We couldn’t even taste the lemon. Recommend adding more lemon juice or lemon zest while cooking or be prepared to squeeze a lemon wedge or two on the finished product.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 30, 2020 at 11:10 AM

        So glad you two enjoyed it! Yes, you can always add more lemon but not take it away, so that's why I err on the side of too little in many of my recipes since I've received complaints in the past that things were too lemony. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Ann M DeCollibus says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:34 PM

      I put lots of flat parsley from my garden and lemon zest with a dash of nutmeg! I served it over a bed of saute spinach very good

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 17, 2020 at 9:46 AM

        Wonderful!!

        Reply
    17. Cynthia Osborne says

      September 15, 2020 at 5:31 PM

      5 stars
      This came out beautiful. I seared some shrimp with the scallops and added a little Parmesan cheese, seasoned the shrimp with a little Old Bay and added the pasta to the sauce with the shrimp and scallops. Was absolutely delicious. Definitely recommend this recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 15, 2020 at 6:04 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that! 🙂 Thanks for leaving me a review!

        Reply
    18. Kathie says

      September 15, 2020 at 4:42 PM

      5 stars
      This dish is simple and delicious. I might add a shallot just to make it mine😋

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 15, 2020 at 6:04 PM

        Yes! That would be delicious!

        Reply
    19. Heather says

      September 3, 2020 at 6:16 AM

      5 stars
      Delicious

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 3, 2020 at 9:05 AM

        Glad you liked the recipe, Heather!

        Reply
    20. Sandra Bicksler says

      August 22, 2020 at 2:39 PM

      5 stars
      I forgot the rating

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 23, 2020 at 9:13 AM

        Thank you!! 🙂

        Reply
    21. Sandra Bicksler says

      August 22, 2020 at 2:37 PM

      This recipe is my go to when I want to impress. Outstanding sauce....I could drink it!!!! The last time I made this, I added in a couple spoons of homemade pesto. It was delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 23, 2020 at 9:13 AM

        Aww I love that!! XO

        Reply
    22. Jennifer D says

      August 1, 2020 at 2:27 PM

      Made this recipe last night and it was a hit! Your guidance with cooking the scallops was super helpful. Sauce is also pretty hard to mess up, we essentially doubled it to have more sauce over the pasta, and we still wish we had more! Love your recipes, thanks for all of the tips.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 2, 2020 at 12:29 PM

        I'm so happy you found it useful... that is definitely what I aim for, and reader feedback is helpful for me. XO

        Reply
    23. Maggie says

      July 30, 2020 at 4:12 PM

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe! Simple ingredients. Super flavorful. Quick to make. Delish for summer night. I made this for a dinner party for 4 people. Do you think this is doable to make for a group of 8?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 30, 2020 at 4:21 PM

        Wow that's quite the review! Thanks so much! Absolutely, I don't see why it wouldn't work to double it. I would for sure make sure to fry the scallops in batches, though, and just be careful the butter doesn't burn. You don't want to crowd the scallops or they will steam vs. get that nice crust.

        Reply
    24. Bretton says

      July 5, 2020 at 5:52 PM

      As another lady has commented I have never really been a fan of seafood but I as I consider myself to be a foodie this is unacceptable! I’ve decided to branch out and try more seafood and I’ve heard scallops are actually quite mild and not fishy so I found this recipe and WOW what have I been missing out on! So yummy and the sauce was great 😊 I’ll definitely be trying some of your other seafood recipes and there’s a salmon recipe of yours I have my eye on! Thanks a bunch

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 5, 2020 at 6:24 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Let me know if you do make something else!

        Reply
    25. Dana Mauldin says

      April 18, 2020 at 6:16 PM

      I love to make this with mahi mahi and serve with some fresh Parmesan and wild rice! My family adores it!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 18, 2020 at 6:33 PM

        Ooh nice!!

        Reply
      • Stephanie says

        June 20, 2022 at 6:54 AM

        Do you sear the Mahi Mahi as well? That is my favorite fish & I love scallops. Would love to try with both!

        Reply
    26. AngelaML says

      April 1, 2020 at 6:54 PM

      5 stars
      Forgot to give a rating with my comment!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2020 at 10:23 AM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    27. AngelaML says

      April 1, 2020 at 6:48 PM

      Hi again! So - I do not eat fish or seafood as it is disgusting!!! - but my family loves it. My parents are in Maine and have a guy right off the boat. We get a lot of fresh scallops. So sent my husband to the chest freezer yesterday to check on the chicken situation and he came up with scallops from my parents. I immediately said - let me check if Natasha has a recipe, and voila! As I recently told you, I now always have heavy/whipping cream in the fridge, so we were good to go. He made this tonight for him and my son. They loved it!!! Served over pasta.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2020 at 10:24 AM

        Yay I am so pleased you tried this one even with your dislike of seafood (that's nice of you to make it for your husband and son haha). Thanks for letting me know as always... your sweet comments are very much appreciated! XO

        Reply

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