Perfect Pan Seared Scallops - The Art of Food and Wine (2024)

The secret to perfect Pan Seared Scallops is cooking them quickly in a blazing hot cast iron pan and basting them with butter

Dinner is ready in 15 minutes!

Intimidated by cooking scallops?

Once you follow the easy step by step instructions below you will become a pro in no time! This pan seared scallops method is easy, but each step is important to follow. The best part is the whole process only takes 15 minutes.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pan Seared Scallops:

• Buy large or jumbo scallops for this recipe. They are also called U-10 scallops. Bay scallops are very small and have a different taste and cooking method.
• Frozen scallops are harder to sear unless you completely defrost and dry them, so it’s best to get wet-packed or dry-packed scallops at the fish counter.
• Scallops have a small muscle on the side of them that needs to be removed. It can easily be pulled off. The muscle will become very tough and rubbery when cooked so definitely take the time to remove it. See steps 1 and 2 photos below.
• Always rinse scallops prior to use in cold water because sand can hide in the tiny cracks. We love the beach but nobody wants sandy scallops!

See Also

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Side Dishes - My Gorgeous RecipesChicken Dumpling SoupRoasted Pears (with Balsamic and Honey)Cabbage Roll Casserole

Perfectly Seared Scallops and Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Dill Aioli

Dry scallops are the key to a perfect sear

• Dry the scallops completely by patting dry with paper towels for 10-15 minutes. Put them on top of paper towels and also press down on the top of the scallops with a paper towel. This is crucial to getting a great sear so don’t skip this step! See step 3 in the photos below.
• Once dried, season liberally with salt and freshly ground pepper. See step 4 in the photos below.

How to Cook Scallops in Cast Iron

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan, preferably a cast-iron skillet.
• Add the oil and make sure it is blazing hot, but not smoking.
• Place scallops carefully in a hot pan in a single layer and don’t crowd
• How long to cook seared scallops: Sear – without touching or moving for about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes on each side. This is the most important part – do not move them – but wait until they are beautifully golden brown.
• If you try to flip them and they aren’t fairly easy to release then wait another 15-20 seconds. When they are ready they will release easily.
• Use a metal spatula or tongs – not a rubber spatula.
• Flip scallops to the other side and reduce heat to medium.
• Add butter and let it melt all around scallops. Using a large spoon baste the scallops with the melted butter.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron pan use your heaviest bottom pan

How long to sear scallops:

• Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the side centers of the scallops are opaque. The exact time will depend on the size of your scallops.
• Remove from pan and plate the scallops.
• Optional: Add lemon slices to pan and sear for about 30-45 seconds on each side. Use as a garnish
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional). If desired drizzle the remaining butter in the pan over the plated scallops.

Our Sommeliers wine pairings for pan seared scallops:

A medium-bodied white wine with bright acidity will contrast well with the tangy lemons and butter alongside these briny scallops.

Your weekday wines:

• Pascal Jolivet Sauvignon Blanc, France
• Domaine Adele Rouze Quincy White Wine, France

Your weekend wines:

• Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre, France
• Sauvion Sancerre, France

Special Occasion Wines:

• Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose, Limited Edition, Tiger Cage Champagne, France
• Dom Perignon Champagne, France

What to serve with Seared Scallops

Pan seared Scallops pair perfectly with nearly every side dish, including vegetables, potatoes or rice. Try one of these dishes on our site:

• Tricolore Salad with Vinaigrette
• Braised Leeks with Parmesan
• Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Dill Aioli
• Spicy Szechuan Green Beans

Cooking with cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are workhorses in the kitchen, very affordable, and get better with age. Once you start cooking with cast iron you will never look back! We prefer the Lodge brand of cast iron and here’s your link to the 10.25″ pan we use over and over.