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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.

seared scallops on a white plate

Why This Recipe Is 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.

Chef’s Tips

  • 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.
scallops in cast iron skillet

More Incredible Date Night Recipes

Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
5 from 1 vote

Easy Seared Scallops

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 4 minutes
Total 9 minutes
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.
4 servings

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.
  • 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.

Approximate Information for One Serving

Calories: 109calProtein: 14gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 445mgPotassium: 232mgTotal Carbs: 4gNet Carbs: 4gCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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