This is the easiest recipe to get perfect seared scallops with a beautiful, golden-brown crust! With only a couple of simple ingredients, these seared scallops are perfect for date night, dinner parties, or Valentine’s Day.
Why These Easy Seared Scallops Are So Good
- These easy seared scallops are so simple to make with just two ingredients!
- They’re restaurant-quality but are ready in just ten minutes.
- Even though these scallops are easy enough for a beginner to make, they are incredibly flavorful, juicy, and have a perfect golden-brown crust.
- These scallops make an elegant appetizer or indulgent main course.
- Perfect for date night or Valentine’s Day!
- These delicious scallops are naturally keto, Paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free.
How To Make Easy Seared Scallops
- Rinse scallops in cold water and remove the “foot.” (This is the muscley piece that keeps the scallop attached to its shell. Just use your fingers to pull off and discard it.) Dry scallops very well and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking (about five minutes). Add avocado oil and heat until shimmering, just a few seconds if the pan has been properly preheated.
- Add scallops to a skillet to sear. DO NOT MOVE. Sear 2 minutes, then flip over in the order you put them in the pan (to ensure equal cooking time). Sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
Top Tips For Making Easy Seared Scallops
- When drying the scallops, make sure they are VERY dry. This is the only way to get that gorgeous crust!
- Do not move the scallops after adding to the skillet. Keeping them still gives them their even, crispy texture.
- Instead of avocado oil, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like grape seed oil or refined coconut oil.
More Date Night Recipes:
- Paleo Chocolate Mousse Dip for Strawberries (Vegan)
- Easy Prime Rib with Au Jus Recipe and Perfect Creamy Horseradish Sauce
- Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash (Whole30, Paleo, Dairy Free)
- Lemon Garlic Salmon (Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, Keto)
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Easy Seared Scallops
The perfect recipe for seared scallops with a beautiful golden-brown crust. Made with only two ingredients in about ten minutes, perfect for Valentine's Day or date night.
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Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Rinse scallops in cold water and remove the "foot." (This is the muscley piece that keeps the scallop attached to its shell. Just use your fingers to pull off and discard it.) Dry scallops very well and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking (about five minutes). Add avocado oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add scallops to the skillet to sear. Sear 2 minutes, then flip over in the order you put them in the pan (to ensure equal cooking time). Sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
Notes
- Preparing scallops: When drying the scallops, make sure they are VERY dry. This is the only way to get that gorgeous crust!
- Getting a perfect crust: Do not move the scallops after adding to skillet. Keeping them still gives them their even, crispy texture.
- Variations: Instead of avocado oil, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like grape seed oil or refined coconut oil.
Nutrition
Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 14gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 445mgPotassium: 232mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mgNet Carbs: 4g
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Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
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