Quick Glance at This Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Information: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
Ever dreamt of recreating a luxurious restaurant dish at home without the hassle? Look no further than these Creamy Garlic Butter Scallops! I first fell in love with this recipe during a cozy dinner date, and I knew I had to bring that magic into my own kitchen. Perfectly seared scallops swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—this dish is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just treating yourself, these scallops are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor
The combination of garlic, butter, and cream creates a decadent sauce that rivals any high-end seafood restaurant.
Versatile
Serve these scallops over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Healthy and Low-Carb
Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is both satisfying and keto-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Scallops:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops (about 12-16 large scallops)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Print This Recipe for Future Reference
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Recommended Tools:
- Non-Stick Skillet
- Garlic Press
- Non-stick Coating: the nonstick ceramic coating healthy, SGS approved. non-toxic, PFAS PFOA & PTFE free. Our frying pan …
- Advanced Etching Technology: Utilizes laser etching to create honeycomb carving surfaces on the interior of the cookware…
- Superior Durability:SAKAMOSH Nonstick Frying Pans use tri-ply construction, with aluminum between stainless steel layers…
- JAPANESE ALLOY STEEL CORE, RAZOR SHARP: The KANNGOU kiritsuke Japanese knife is made from Japan alloy steel, known for i…
- TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP: The Kanngou Japanese Chef Knife is crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, specifically K…
- ERGOMOMIC & ELEGANT HANDLE: Our Japanese knife features a black pakkawood handle and full tang design., making it both e…
- [ MULTIFUNCTIONAL ] Handheld Kitchen Tool that can mince all kinds of ingredients, from garlic, to ginger, herbs, nuts a…
- [ REMOVING INGREDIENTS ] Pack into triangles (see video) by lightly twisting side to side for easy removal of garlic. Sh…
- [ GINGER & MORE ] First slice the ginger into narrow discs before placing into the Garlic Twister. See “Stir Fry” video …
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Scallops
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine and Serve
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the scallops through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Watch the video tutorial here!
15 Healthy Camping Meals Even Kids Can Help Make – Easy Ideas & Fun Tips!
Easy healthy camping meals and snacks for every outdoor trip—fun, friendly, and perfect for the whole family!
15 Easy Mediterranean Meals You’ll Want to Try Tonight
A super-friendly guide to 15 easy Mediterranean meals—with simple steps, kid-friendly options, and Amazon kitchen tool picks perfect for busy families.
15 Fun and Easy Cold Soup Recipes for Summer ☀️
Learn to make 15 easy cold soup recipes for summer with fresh ideas, cool tips, and Amazon tools—perfect for hot days and Pinterest sharing!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Scallops Ever
- Dry Scallops: Always pat your scallops dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Aim for a golden crust and a tender interior.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic can sometimes have a bitter taste.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and heavy cream to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the sauce.
![[10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep Containers, Food Storage Containers wit...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KtYzS-grL.jpg)
- If you find any damaged or defective product after receiving it or during daily use, please contact us.
- [10 PACK GLASS MEAL PREP CONTAINERS] Set of 20 Piece (10 lids & 10 containers) : The containers are versatile to meet yo…
- [OVEN, MICROWAVE(Not the lids), DISHWASHER SAFE /FREEZER SAFE] Our glass storage containers are made from high quality b…
Cooking Method Suggestions
- Grilled: For a smoky flavor, grill the scallops over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the sauce.
- Baked: Place the seared scallops in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Cook the scallops in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, then toss them in the sauce.
- ICONIC AIR FRYING: Indulge in guilt-free delights with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Powerful 1700…
- 8-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Settings include Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Keep Warm, Pizza, Dehydrate. Also features an …
- ON DISPLAY: The Illuminated touchscreen display, on trend colors and gold accents will make your kitchen sizzle with sty…
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Serve the scallops and sauce over a bed of fettuccine or linguine for a complete meal.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying dish.
- With Greens: Serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for a low-carb option.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors.
Creamy Garlic Butter Scallops
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Scallops:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops about 12-16 large scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
Sear the Scallops:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the scallops through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
You can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for heavy cream if necessary.
Scallops can be frozen; make sure to thaw and dry them before cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Spicy Crab Ramen
- Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta
- 12 Delicious Seafood Recipes You Need To Try ASAP
Healthy Tips
- Lean Protein: Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein and are low in calories, making them a healthy choice.
- Healthy Fats: The butter and heavy cream provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.
- Low-Carb: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Garlic Butter Scallops that are as easy to make as they are delicious! Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make this dish dairy-free.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or sides you use are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before adding the scallops.
0 Comments