Seared Scallops (How to Sear Scallops) Recipe

Seared Scallops are a simple delicacy that’s easier to make than you think. Learn how to sear scallops with this simple recipe. They’re perfectly pan-seared in butter and lightly seasoned for the best flavor.

overhead view of seared scallops in a cast iron pan with herbs.

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Why We Love This Seared Scallops Recipe

Scallops may seem intimidating to cook, but this recipe will walk you step-by-step through how to cook scallops with a perfect sear.

Easy. You only need a few ingredients and about 15 minutes. Season them as you like, with salt and pepper, fresh herbs of your choice, or serve with a homemade sauce.
One Pan. You can cook the scallops and the sauce in the same pan, saving you from spending all night washing dishes.
Flavorful. The best part about seared scallops is the simple yet rich flavor. This dish will impress guests as part of a nice dinner or as an appetizer.

How to Choose the Right Scallops

There are two kinds of scallops: bay scallops and sea scallops. Bay scallops are dime-sized, while sea scallops can have a diameter of up to about 2 inches. Bay scallops are much more rare and expensive, so I recommend using wild-caught sea scallops in this recipe.

There are two preparations for scallops: wet scallops and dry scallops. A wet scallop has been soaked in a solution that preserves and plumps up the scallop, while a dry scallop has not been treated with any additives. Dry scallops tend to be a bit darker in color and have a better flavor, while wet scallops are lighter in color and tend to shrivel while being cooked. I recommend using dry scallops.

Dry scallops will be labeled as either “dry” or “dry-packed”.
Be sure to buy your scallops just 1-2 days before you plan to cook them, as they are very perishable.
When fresh, scallops will smell briny; when they start to spoil, they will smell fishy.
You can also use frozen scallops in this recipe; let the scallops thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

close up view of seared scallops in a cast iron pan with herbs.

How to Store and Reheat

While seared scallops are best enjoyed on the day they are made, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat coated in residual sauce in the microwave at 90% power in 20-second intervals until 115°F internally.

How to Freeze

Freeze seared scallops in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re making these buttery, pan seared scallops for dinner, served them with creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy polenta, steamed or sauteed asparagus, or on a bed of rice.

close up view of a fork stabbing a seared scallop on a black plate.

More Seafood Recipes To Try

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Dry your scallops on paper towels before cooking. You don’t want too much liquid in the pan, as this will cause the scallops to steam rather than sear.
When cleaning fresh scallops, be sure to remove the side muscles from the sides of the scallops. The side muscles will feel a bit tougher than the rest of the scallop. Simply pull the tissue away from the scallop with your fingers to remove it.
Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron pan, not a nonstick pan.
If there’s excess liquid in the pan while you are searing the scallops, use the corner of a paper towel to soak up the excess liquid from the pan.
Let the scallops cook about 90% of the way on the first side, about 3-4 minutes. Once all but the top of the scallop has become opaque, flip it and allow it to finish cooking for about 1-2 minutes.

How to Sear Scallops Step by Step

Prep the Scallops: Spread 1 pound of large sea scallops out on a paper towel and pat them dry on both sides. If the scallops still have the adductor muscle attached to the side (the little rectangular piece), gently pull it off with your fingers.

overhead view of raw scallops on parchment paper.

Season the Scallops: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper over the scallops.

overhead view of seasoned raw scallops on parchment paper.

Heat the Pan: Heat a large heavy-bottomed (preferably cast iron) skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot and fragrant, add the scallops. They should begin to sizzle immediately – if the first scallop doesn’t sizzle, remove it from the pan and wait for the pan to heat up more. Make sure to place the scallops on one of the flat sides for an even sear.

overhead view of raw scallops in a cast iron pan.

Cook the Scallops: Cook the scallops for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, the scallops should easily release from the pan so you can flip them and they should be a deep golden brown color. If the scallops do not release easily, let them sear for an additional minute. You shouldn’t have to pull the scallops off of the pan!

overhead view of cooked scallops in a cast iron pan.

Make the Sauce: When you flip the scallops, reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 6 sprigs of fresh thyme, and the juice of half a lemon. Cook the scallops for an additional 2 minutes while spooning the butter over the top of the scallops. Remove the scallops from the heat and serve them immediately with your favorite sides.

overhead view of seared scallops in a cast iron pan with butter and herbs.

Are scallops healthy?

Scallops are protein-packed and a good source of both potassium and magnesium. They are great as part of a healthy diet.

Should I salt scallops before searing?

Yes! We always recommend seasoning your scallops before cooking them to enhance their naturally sweet flavor.

Is it better to cook scallops in butter or oil?

We like to cook them in a mixture of butter and oil. The oil helps protect the butter from burning in the pan before the scallops have cooked through, and the butter adds a wonderful flavor.

Should you rinse scallops before searing?

There’s no need to rinse your scallops, but do make sure to pat them dry so the seasoning will stick.