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: 10 large sea scallops; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Juice of half a lemon

Highlighted under: Clean Inspiration

I absolutely adore making Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops for special occasions. The combination of tender scallops and a rich, buttery garlic sauce creates an indulgent dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether it's a date night or a romantic dinner celebration, this recipe brings a sense of elegance to the table. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a delicious meal that impresses without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:30:36.985Z

When I first attempted making scallops at home, I was a bit intimidated by their delicate nature. However, I soon discovered that cooking them in a garlic butter sauce elevates their natural sweetness beautifully. The key to achieving that perfect golden sear is to ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the scallops. This method locks in their juices and creates a delightful crust that is pure heaven.

One of my favorite moments was serving these scallops on a bed of creamy risotto, which balanced the flavors perfectly. Pairing it with a crisp white wine enhances the experience even more. Next time, I recommend garnishing with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor that enhances the sweetness of scallops
Quick cooking method that preserves scallops' tenderness
Perfect dish for impressing your loved one with minimal effort

The Perfect Scallops

Selecting the right scallops is crucial for this dish. I always opt for large sea scallops (around 10-12 per pound), as they provide a meaty texture and a naturally sweet flavor. When shopping, look for scallops that are firm to the touch and glossy without any strong fishy smell. Avoid any that have a yellow hue, as this indicates they’ve been treated with preservatives. Freshness plays a key role in achieving that delicate, buttery finish that makes this recipe shine.

When preparing your scallops, it’s important to dry them thoroughly with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture from accumulating during cooking, which would otherwise lead to steaming instead of searing. A hot skillet is essential to create a beautiful crust, so preheat your pan adequately before adding the scallops. You'll know it's ready when a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.

Unlocking Flavor with Garlic Butter

The garlic butter sauce is where this dish truly comes to life. By sautéing the minced garlic just until fragrant, you enhance its flavors without burning it—a common mistake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better, letting the natural sweetness of the scallops shine through. If you find you’ve overcooked the garlic, don’t fret. Just start again with fresh butter and garlic to maintain that clean, aromatic flavor.

For an extra twist, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter after sautéing the garlic. It adds depth to the sauce and a subtle acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile. Allow it to reduce slightly before returning the scallops to the skillet for an exquisite finish. Just a tablespoon or two will do the trick and make your sauce even more luxurious.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops:

Ingredients

10 large sea scallops
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Juice of half a lemon

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting to cook to achieve the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect garlic butter scallops:

Sear the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove scallops 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 the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine and Serve

Return the scallops to the skillet and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the scallops in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional minute to reheat, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Serve these scallops hot for the best taste experience.

Pro Tips

Be sure to not overcrowd the pan when searing the scallops, as this can lower the pan's temperature and prevent a proper sear.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While seafood is best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store the scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the texture may change upon reheating. To preserve the scallops’ delicate nature, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a bit of the leftover garlic butter until just heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can cause the scallops to become rubbery.

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding freshly seared scallops. This method allows you to enjoy an elegant meal without feeling pressed for time when it’s time to serve.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving these Romantic Garlic Butter Scallops over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a simple arugula salad. The peppery greens and the richness of the scallops create a beautiful balance on the palate. You can also pair the dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the flavors splendidly.

For those looking to add a bit of texture, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can add both crunch and an additional layer of flavor. This simple touch creates a more nuanced eating experience that is sure to impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What can I serve with scallops?

They pair well with risotto, pasta, or a light salad.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Scallops are best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and just quickly sear the scallops before serving.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that they may lose some texture.