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+ servings
Pan Seared Scallops
5 from 2 votes

Pan Seared Scallops

Pan seared scallops are an easy and delicious weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner for any occasion. The are seared in grape seed oil and and topped with a simple fresh herbs. They are fresh, flavorful, and delicious. 
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
Total 20 minutes
Fat 12
Carbs 12
Protein 34
Yield 4

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs. large scallops thawed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice +more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced and pressed
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  • Remove the scallops from the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel. 
  • Season the scallops with salt and pepper and set them aside for later. 
  • Prepare the herb paste by placing the parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and kosher salt to a mortar and pestle. Grid the ingredients together until a paste forms. Set aside. 
  • To sear the scallops, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add grapeseed oil. 
  • When the grapeseed oil is hot and sizzling, add the scallops to the pan. 
  • Sear the scallops for 2 - 2.5  minutes on each side to brown them. Remove the pan from the heat and add the lime zest, garlic, and butter to the pan and swirl the ingredients around until the butter is melted.  
  • Remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on a platter. 
  • Distribute the herb paste by placing a bit of the paste on the top of each scallop. Put any extra herb paste on the side and use for dipping. 
  • Squeeze fresh lime over the scallops and enjoy.

Tips & Notes

  • Be sure your scallops are completely thawed before searing them. 
  • We use grape seed oil because it has a high smoke point and is great for searing. If you don’t have grape seed, avocado oil will also work. 
  • If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, chop the herbs very fine and use the side of a knife to paste them. Then, add them to a bowl and add the lime juice, olive oil, and salt.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0g