
Seared sea scallops with a golden crust
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
4 min
Total Time
14 min
Servings
4
12 scallops
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Premium
$$$
Seared sea scallops with a golden crust
Jumbo sea scallops grilled until caramelized golden on the outside and buttery tender within. An elegant dish that takes just minutes to prepare.
10m
Prep Time
4m
Cook Time
14m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
(Updated )
Scallops are the quickest luxury protein on the grill—a perfect sear takes only 2 minutes per side. The key is starting with dry scallops and the hottest fire you can build.
Remove the side muscle from each scallop. Pat scallops very dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Brush with olive oil. Preheat grill to the highest heat possible.
Grill scallops 2 minutes per side without moving—they need uninterrupted contact for a golden crust.
While scallops grill, melt butter with garlic and lemon juice in a small pan.
Transfer scallops to plates, drizzle with garlic-lemon butter, and garnish with chives.
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Similar cook time and pairs with the same sauce
Adds a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with scallops
Buy "dry-packed" scallops—they have not been treated with chemicals and sear properly.
Do not touch or move the scallops for the first 2 minutes—patience creates the golden crust.
Best eaten immediately. Refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Scallops do not reheat well—they become rubbery. Eat fresh.
Per serving (55mg) · 4 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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