• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kalefornia Kravings

  • Home
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Press
  • Blog
    • Discount Codes
  • Recipes
    • Appetizer
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken/Turkey
      • Seafood
      • Meatless
      • Breakfast
    • Pasta
    • Salad
    • Side Dish
    • Dessert
    • Snack
    • Spice Mixes, Sauces, Marinades & Dips
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Work with Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Basil Garlic Butter

February 17, 2021 by Caitlin Monson Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Smooth and buttery with a burst of tangy lemon! This easy dish is exploding with flavor and perfect for a fun date night in!

An easy scallops recipe that cooks your scallops in a rich lemon basil garlic butter! It's simple to make and so delicious too!

Only one thing comes to mind whenever I hear the word “scallops” – fancy shmancy! But for the longest time I was so intimidated to cook them at home. (I probably have Gordon Ramsey to thank for that one and all those years of watching Hell’s Kitchen… “The bloody scallops are raw!”😲) But when I finally did decide to give them a try I was so suprised by how easy they were. And these pan seared scallops with lemon basil garlic butter are now one of our favorite more fancier dinners to make! They’re light and buttery, cook in minutes and there’s minimal ingredients too!

Looking for a fancy-ish meal to impress your guests or signigicant other? Try these delicious buttery scallops! They're so easy to make and have the best flavor!

Ingredients

  • Scallops: Can be fresh or frozen. (I personally perfer fresh scallops because they have a more tender texture to them. And I always love getting my fresh seafood from Sprouts! Their seafood is 100% sustainabilty sourced and they’re always a t a pretty decent price too! Scallops can get pretty pricey depending on the type, so I jump at every opportunity I can whenever I find a sale.)
  • Butter: Adds even more richness to your scallops. (Besides butter and seafood just goes together right?!)
  • Lemons: Adds some tang and really helps to brighten up the dish. (Both in flavor and color!)
  • Fresh basil: Adds a subtle freshness to your dish and pairs so well with the lemon flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds some aromatics and compliments the rest of your flavors!
  • Salt & pepper: Every dish always needs your standard salt and pepper seasoning! 😉
Lemon, garlic, butter and a little bit of fresh basil are all you need to make this tasty dish! These scallops would be perfect for an anniversary or even a fancy dinner in.

How to make pan seared scallops

This is by far my favorite way to cook scallops! Not only does it allow your scallops to get that crispy top and bottom, but it also still keeps them moist and tend on the inside too! Here’s how easy it is below:

  1. Melt your butter in the microwave and mix it with your lemon juice and minced garlic. Set it aside.
  2. Then place your scallops on tray and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt & pepper.
  3. Next, heat a saute pan over medium high heat and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Once it’s hot to the touch, place your scallops in the pan seasoned side down. Season the other side with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Then flip the scallops and add your lemon butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and continually spoon some of your butter mixture over them as they cook. (Depending on the size of your scallops they might need to cook for another minutes. They should turn a bright white color and be slightly firm to the touch when done.)
  5. Once the scallops are done, remove the pan from the stove & stir in your fresh basil. Serve the scallops immediately with extra lemon slices on the side.
Sweet, delicate and so tender too! This is the easiest scallop recipe you'll find that comes out perfectly pan seared every time! Plus they're great for a fancy celebratory dinner too!

What to serve with pan seared scallops and lemon basil garlic butter

Scallops themselves tend to be pretty rich in flavor (which is why they pair so well with butter 😉 ), so try thinking of more neutral sides when serving them for a meal. You don’t want the sides to be too overpowering or the same “richness” as the scallops either. Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to pair with this scallop recipe:

  • Serve them with pasta: Try a simple lemon & buttered noodle or even noodles with pesto!
  • Top them over a mashed veggie: Mashed potatoes or even mashed cauliflower are amazing with this dish! (They soak up a lot of the butter if you pour your scallops on top – so tasty!)
  • Serve them with your favorite roasted or sauteed vegetables: Almost any type of veggie would be great with this dish! (I personally love serving sauteed green beans or asparagus.)
  • Try them with a rissotto: Parmesan rissotto or even a lighter vegetable rissotto would also be amazing with these scallops too!

So there you have it loves. An easy scallop dinner that’s made in minutes with minimal ingredients and just as fancy shmancy as it looks!

I hope you’re all having a great day!

More recipes you might like:
  • Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce
  • Maple Mustard Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
  • Spicy Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad
  • Apple & Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast
  • Chipotle Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

[Made one of my recipes? Make sure to tag my social media @kalefornia_kravings – I love seeing what you create!]

Lemon, garlic, butter and a little bit of fresh basil are all you need to make this tasty dish! These scallops would be perfect for an anniversary or even a fancy dinner in.
Print Recipe Pin It!

Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Basil Garlic Butter

Sweet and tender scallops are seared to perfection and finished cooking in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce! They're so easy to make and perfect for a quick meal!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Easy, Gluten free, Seafood
Keyword: basil, butter, easy, garlic, gluten free, lemon, pan seared, scallops
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. scallops
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon, juiced (about 3-4 Tbsp)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Melt your butter in the microwave and mix it with your lemon juice and minced garlic. Set it aside.
  • Then place your scallops on tray and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt & pepper.
  • Next, heat a saute pan over medium high heat and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Once it's hot to the touch, place your scallops in the pan seasoned side down. Season the other side with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Then flip the scallops and add your lemon butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and continually spoon some of your butter mixture over them as they cook. (Depending on the size of your scallops they might need to cook for another minutes. They should turn a bright white color and be slightly firm to the touch when done.)
  • Once the scallops are done, remove the pan from the stove & stir in your fresh basil. Serve the scallops immediately with extra lemon slices on the side.

  • Share
  • Tweet

Filed Under: Main Dish, Seafood Tagged With: basil, butter, dinner, easy, garlic, gluten free, lemon, pan seared, scallops, seafood

Previous Post: « Loaded Italian Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Next Post: Easy Baked Feta Pasta »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Caitlin

Hey there!

I’m Caitlin and I’m here to simplify California cuisine! I’m just your every day Cali girl with a huge passion for cooking and sharing simple healthy eats with a few sweet treats.

Welcome to my kitchen!

Recent Posts

  • Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
  • Smoked Salmon Sushi Roll Ups with Citrus Soy Sauce
  • Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
  • Easy Baked Feta Pasta
  • Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Basil Garlic Butter

Let’s get social!

Introducing these easy CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRU Introducing these easy CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH BARS for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day!😍 [Ad]
.
Can you think of a more iconic duo than chocolate & pb?? Because I sure as heck can’t!😉 And these tasty treats are just another reason why I’m convinced that it’s the best combo of all time! They’re super crunchy, slightly sweet & loaded with so much chocolate peanut buttery goodness too!🙌🏻 (Side note: If you’ve never been to the nut butter section at @sprouts then you definitely need to loves! They always have my favorite peanut butter in stock & I love checking out all the fun new nut butters they have too!😍)
.
Hope you’re all having the best Monday!😊💕
(Full recipe & tips are on my website. Link in bio⬆️)
.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars🍫🥜
3 cups rice cereal (use gluten free if needed)
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp peanut butter
2-4 Tbsp honey (depending on how sweet you want them)
Chocolate layer: 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips + 2 Tbsp peanut butter
.
1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper & set it aside. Then mix your peanut butter & honey together & pour it over your rice cereal. Mix the two together until fully combined & press your rice crispies into your prepared pan.
2. Next, heat your chocolate chips & 2 Tbsp of pb together in the microwave at 30 second intervals until completely melted. Then pour it over your cereal layer. 
3. Place the pan in the fridge until the chocolate has set. Cut & serve immediately!
SMOKED SALMON SUSHI ROLL UPS with CITRUS SOY SAUCE SMOKED SALMON SUSHI ROLL UPS with CITRUS SOY SAUCE!🤗 Excuse me while I devour this entire plate...🤤 [sponsored]
.
I’ve been craving sushi like no other lately & these fun little bites 100% satisfied that need!😉 They’re bright & creamy, full of flavor & made with all fresh ingredients too! The key? Using @kvaroyarctic smoked salmon!😍 (Seriously loves, I’m so impressed with this company & their quality of salmon. It always tastes so fresh & is so good for your heart health too!)
Make sure to check out their products at your local @wholefoods or @fultonfishmarket & whip up these bites ASAP!🤗
.
Hope you’re all having a great Thursday!😊💕
.
Smoked Salmon Sushi Roll Ups🍣
8oz. smoked salmon
1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
2 Tbsp green onion, chopped
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 of a cucumber, sliced into thin strips
1/2 an avocado, sliced into thin strips
1 Tbsp EBTB seasoning
.
Lemon-Soy Sauce: 2 Tbsp soy sauce + 2 Tbsp lemon juice + 1 Tbsp water + 1 Tbsp mirin + 1 Tbsp sliced green onion
.
1. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter & sprinkle it with your EBTB seasoning. Then layer your smoked salmon over the seasoning to form a small rectangle.
2. Next mix your cream cheese, green onion, lemon juice & zest together & spread it over your smoked salmon.
3. Place your avocado & cucumber strips in the center of the rectangle & use your plastic wrap to help you roll it up.
4. Place your salmon roll in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Slice & serve it with your soy sauce!
Fresh WINTER FRUIT SALAD with ORANGE POPPY SEED DR Fresh WINTER FRUIT SALAD with ORANGE POPPY SEED DRESSING! Simple, easy & just what I’m craving today!🤗 [Ad]
.
Anyone else been having a moment with citrus lately or is that just me?!🙋🏼‍♀️ Also is anyone else completely baffled by all the different types of citrus we have now too??🤯 I was walking around @sprouts the other day & must have seen at least 10 different varieties! (Which is probably why I love shopping there during citrus season tbh.😉) Like these vintage heirloom navel oranges - they’re a little sweeter & easier to peel than most oranges which makes them perfect for snacking or adding to salads! And if you’re going to have a fruit salad - make this one! It’s sweet, a little tart, so easy & so refreshing too!🤗
.
Hope you’re all having a great Wednesday loves!😊💕
(Full recipe & tips are on my website. Link in bio⬆️)
.
Winter Fruit Salad🍊
Oranges, peeled & chopped
Strawberries, halved
Kiwis, peeled & quartered
Blueberries
Pomegranate seeds
Orange Poppy Seed Dressing: 1/4 cup orange juice + 1 1/2 tsp honey + 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
.
1. Add all of your fruit to a bowl & drizzle your dressing over the top. Toss your salad until everything is coated.
2. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
#lovesprouts #sproutspartner
CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP & AVOCADO SALAD! Aka when you CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP & AVOCADO SALAD! Aka when you want something ceviche-ish but don’t want to do the work...😂
.
Ceviche’s definitely one of those foods that I could eat all year long. (But let’s be honest - all that chopping can be kind of a pain!😬) So this baby’s just an easy peasy sped up version that’s been #1 on my website for months now!🤗 It’s made with minimal ingredients, precooked shrimp & tastes just like your favorite traditional ceviche! (In half the time!🙌🏻)
.
Hope you’re all having the best Tuesday!😊💕
(Full recipe & tips are on my website. Link in bio⬆️)
.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad🥑
1 lb. precooked shrimp, chopped
1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
1-2 avocados, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
3 limes, juiced
Salt & pepper, to taste.
.
1. Add your chopped shrimp, tomatoes, avocado, onion & cilantro to a bowl & season with salt & pepper. Add your lime juice & toss to coat.
2. Place your salad in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to eat! (If meal prepping, keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to eat.)
.
.
.
#kaleforniakravings #salad #easymeals #shrimpsalad #shrimp #healthylunch #lunchideas #easyrecipes #quickmeals #healthyeats #cleaneats #wholefoods #mealprep #mealprepideas #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreefood #foodblogger #dairyfree #simplerecipes #healthyfood #healthyrecipes #dinnerideas #realfood #easydinner #todayfood #healthydinner #feedfeed #goodmoodfood #healthyfoodporn @thefeedfeed @todayfood
Show More! Follow Me!

 

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018

Copyright © 2021 Kalefornia Kravings on the Foodie Pro Theme