Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops

Name: Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 12 large sea scallops, patted dry; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen

I absolutely love making Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops for special occasions. The combination of succulent scallops pan-seared to perfection, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, never fails to impress my guests. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for a romantic dinner at home. The aroma fills the kitchen and creates an irresistible allure. Every time I prepare this meal, I’m reminded of how quickly it comes together, allowing me to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones while savoring this delightful seafood dish.

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:41:34.946Z

Creating this dish turned into a delightful adventure for me, as I experimented with various herbs and spices. The garlic-infused butter melts beautifully on the scallops, producing a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. My secret? Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce enhances the overall taste and gives a bit of acidity that complements the richness.

Each time I serve these scallops, I am amazed by how quickly they cook—just 2-3 minutes per side are enough when they’re seared over high heat. This dish is excellent with a side of crisp green salad or over a bed of creamy pasta.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Succulent scallops cooked to golden perfection
Garlic butter sauce that elevates every bite
Quick and easy preparation for any occasion

Mastering the Art of Searing Scallops

Searing scallops to achieve a golden crust requires the right temperature and timing. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough; a drop of water should sizzle immediately. Once heated, add the scallops, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can trap steam and result in a rubbery texture. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they're a rich golden-brown color and opaque in the center. This visual cue indicates they are perfectly cooked.

For the best results, pat the scallops dry before seasoning. This step removes excess moisture that can hinder the searing process. If you find your scallops sticking to the pan, they may not have developed a proper crust. Give them a little more time before attempting to flip. A well-seared scallop is tender and has that delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the juicy interior.

Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops. As you melt the butter, keep the heat medium to avoid burning it. Adding the minced garlic should be done just after the butter is melted; sautéing it too long can make it bitter. A good rule of thumb is to watch for the garlic becoming fragrant without turning brown, usually around one minute.

Incorporating white wine adds depth to the sauce and balances the richness of the butter. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly for about two minutes, as this concentrates the flavors. If you prefer not to use wine, a splash of vegetable broth or seafood stock can work as an excellent substitute. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the salt levels may differ.

Ingredients

For the Scallops

12 large sea scallops, patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Steps

Sear the Scallops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Make Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in fresh parsley.

Combine and Serve

Return the seared scallops to the skillet and coat them with the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of additional parsley for garnish.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. It adds a nice kick that balances the richness of the scallops.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops, serve them atop a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The richness of the scallops pairs beautifully with a bright, citrusy salad, creating a balanced meal. You can also consider serving them with crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce—it's simply irresistible.

For an added touch of romance, consider garnishing with thinly sliced lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley. This not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also adds an extra burst of flavor when a squeeze of lemon juice is applied just before eating.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While scallops are best cooked fresh, if you want to prepare elements of this dish in advance, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before tossing in freshly seared scallops.

If you need to store cooked scallops, they can be kept in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can lead to overcooked, rubbery scallops.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.

→ What can I serve with scallops?

They pair wonderfully with a side salad, pasta, or even a creamy risotto.

→ How do I know when scallops are cooked?

They should be opaque in the center and have a firm texture when done. Overcooking can make them chewy.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the scallops.