Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood Recipe

It’s 6 PM. You’re hungry. You want something that feels fancy but cooks fast. You want a win.

I get it. My kitchen is a weeknight war zone, too. That’s why I live for recipes like this Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood. If you love this flavor profile, you should also try our popular Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken.

It’s your secret weapon. It looks like you spent hours. It tastes like a restaurant. But it’s on your table in about 15 minutes. Let’s do this.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ultimate Guide to Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood

This isn’t just another recipe. This is your dinner game plan.

We’re talking maximum flavor for minimum effort. That’s the busy cook’s motto.

Scallops are the perfect protein. They cook in minutes. They have a sweet, delicate taste that loves bold flavors.

Here, we pair them with a classic trio: lemon, garlic, and butter. It’s a power combo that never fails.

This dish is naturally low-carb and perfect for a keto dinner. It also feels special enough for a date night. One pan. One amazing meal. You’ve got this.

The Simple Ingredients

I bet you have most of this already. That’s the beauty of it. No fancy trips to the store.

• 12 large sea scallops (about 1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Ready? The clock starts now. Follow these steps and dinner is done.

Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood Recipe

Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Ashley Vaughn

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 15 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

The Simple Ingredients

• 12 large sea scallops (about 1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

1

Prep your scallops. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is the #1 trick for a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2

Heat a large skillet (not non-stick if you have one) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Let it get hot.

3

Add the scallops. Give them space! Don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without touching them.

4

Peek underneath. They should have a deep golden-brown crust. Flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove them to a plate.

5

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

6

Pour in the lemon juice and wine. Scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the pan. Let it bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.

7

Turn off the heat. Stir in the parsley. Slide the scallops back into the pan. Spoon that amazing sauce all over them.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Seafood Recipe!

Did You Make This?

Leave a review and tag us on social media!

1. Prep your scallops. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is the #1 trick for a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet (not non-stick if you have one) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Let it get hot.
3. Add the scallops. Give them space! Don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without touching them.
4. Peek underneath. They should have a deep golden-brown crust. Flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove them to a plate.
5. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the lemon juice and wine. Scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the pan. Let it bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the parsley. Slide the scallops back into the pan. Spoon that amazing sauce all over them.

What to Serve With This Dish

You need something to soak up that incredible lemon garlic butter sauce. Here are my go-to sides.

For a keto meal, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Sauté them quickly in a separate pan. For another quick, flavorful seafood option that’s also great with asparagus, check out these Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets.

If carbs are okay, angel hair pasta or a crusty baguette are perfect. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders, too.

It all comes together in the time it takes to cook the scallops.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Don’t have an ingredient? No stress. Make it work for you.

No white wine? Use all chicken broth. The flavor is still great.

Want more veggies? Throw a handful of spinach into the sauce at the end. It wilts in seconds.

Use thyme or chives instead of parsley. Any fresh herb adds a bright finish.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Honestly, leftovers are rare. But if you have a couple scallops, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll keep for 1-2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them rubbery.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Net Carbs: 5.5g
• Protein: 25g

*Estimated per serving. This is a fantastic low-carb option.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

My scallops won’t brown. What did I do wrong?

They were probably wet. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Also, make sure your pan is hot before adding them.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes! Thaw them in the fridge overnight first. Then, dry them extra well. They’ll work just fine.

Are scallops good for keto?

Absolutely. They are low in carbs and high in protein. This whole recipe is keto-friendly.

See? I told you it was easy. You just made a restaurant-quality fancy meal in 15 minutes. That’s a major weeknight victory. If you’re looking for more easy, foil-packet dinners, our Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Foil Packets are another fantastic, no-mess option.

This recipe proves that fast food can be fantastic food. No compromises. Just great flavor, fast.

Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!