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It’s easy to eat your greens when they are wilted in olive oil and garlic and topped with this Pan Seared Scallops Recipe. One pan, less than 20 minutes and you have an elegant, healthy and delicious meal.
Whenever scallops happen to be on sale, stock up. They're a bit of a delicacy. But, they are totally worth it (in my humble opinion.)
They're high in protein, low in calories and cook VERY quickly. You'll never be more than 30 minutes away from dinner if you keep a bag of frozen scallops in the freezer.
For example, this Pan Seared Scallops Recipe over wilted spinach takes 20 minutes to make, start to finish. It's the same time frame for Broiled Scallops with a Parmesan Crust.
The same rationale can be made for keeping a bag of shrimp in the freezer so you can make things like Rock Shrimp in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce or Cauliflower Grits and Shrimp. PLUS...you can make these recipes using scallops instead.
Dinner doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious!
FAQ
Once you've invested in scallops, you don't want to mess things up!
- What's the best type of scallop to sear in a pan? The kind you have in the freezer! In all seriousness, larger scallops, such as sea or Patagonian scallops are the best types because the surface area is larger. Save the smaller bay scallops for dishes like Scallops and Orzo.
- What's the difference between "wet" and "dry" scallops? Wet scallops are treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). It safe to consume allows scallops to soak up extra water. On the other hand, dry scallops don't have any extra water weight. Dry scallops will sear better.
- Can you sear scallops in a non-stick pan? Yes indeed. That's how these were cooked. If you have a wrought iron pan or aluminum pan, it will work too of course.
Get the perfect sear
Follow these tips to achieve a perfect buttery, caramelized outside crust on each scallop:
- Pat scallops with a towel to remove any excess moisture. Scallops should be a bit sticky to touch.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Add enough butter to the pan to form a thin layer, but not so much that the scallops are swimming and don't have a chance to sear.
- Melt butter over medium-high heat. Don't place scallops into the skillet until it's nice and hot.
- Place the scallops into the skillet and allow them to cook, UNTOUCHED, for about 3 minutes until peaking at one and then turning them all over when the bottom is golden brown.
- Cook scallops just until they are done. If they are overcooked they become tough and chewy.
- The sides of the scallops will be white and opaque when they are done.
- Cook scallops in batches if necessary so that they are not crowded and so that you are able to quickly turn scallops when they are done.
- Practice makes perfect!!!
Wilted Spinach
When scallops are on the menu, here's a plan to make a robust meal so that you don't spend all your dollars on scallops:
- Serve a standard portion of scallops, about 4-5 larger-sized scallops is about 5 ounces.
- Round out the meal with lots of fresh spinach. Add another side of rice (or pasta) with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley stirred in.
Once the scallops are done, remove them to a plate and keep warm. Add olive oil and garlic to pan. There's no need to clean it first. All the flavors will come together. Add spinach and toss to wilt as much as desired. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon!
Please rate this Pan Seared Scallops recipe and tag @DinnerMom #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up.
📋 Recipe
Pan Seared Scallops Recipe over Wilted Spinach
Ingredients
- 20 ounces sea scallops
- salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 6 ounces baby spinach washed and dried
- Juice from fresh lemon
Instructions
- Pat sea scallops dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper on the top and bottom.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place half the scallops in the pan and allow them to cook, untouched, for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the side touching the pan is lightly browned and has a light brown crust. The sides will be opaque when done.
- Remove scallops to a plate and keep warm.
- Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the pan and repeat process with remaining scallops.
- Add olive oil to pan and swirl to coat.
- Add garlic and spinach to the pan and turn in pan for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve scallops over spinach. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tara
Such a lovely and simple weekday supper, my hubby and daughter adore scallops and would be thrilled with this any night of the week!! YUM!!
Marjory
Thanks Tara! We are big seafood fans here.
Renee
Who needs rice? Just give me more scallops and spinach. Yum!
Marjory
Well...we end up rationing the scallops so a little rice is very helpful!
Family Foodie
Mmmmm..... this recipe is right up my alley! I love scallops.
Marjory
Thanks! I love how easy they are to prepare!
Shaina
There is nothing I love more than a plate of good, plump scallops! These look absolutely gorgeous. I want to eat it off the screen!
Marjory
Thank you. I wish I had some to enjoy right about now!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
These scallops are calling me, Marjory! Delicious!
Marjory
Thanks so much Cindy!
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner
Marjory, I love scallops and this dish is simple but looks so fancy! A squeeze of lemon never hurts either 🙂
Marjory
Thanks Deb! The lemon squeeze is very refreshing!
Christine
Scallops are my FAVORITE and I always order them if I go to a fancy restaurant. I love how you've outlined how to cook them perfectly at home - Great recipe!
Robin Gagnon
Pan seared scallops are an absolute favorite of mine. I ate so many last time they were on sale 😀
Ben
Easy and yummy
Marjory Pilley
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Becki
Enjoyed this dinner - it was quick to prepare. Use some dill weed for extra seasoning on the scallops and spinach. Added extra lemon juice to the browned butter left in the pan after wilting the spinach and put that sauce over the scallops. Served with air fried carrots and onions along with a caprese salad.
Marjory Pilley
Sounds delicious! Thanks for your comment.