15-Minute Pan Seared Blackened Scallops with Garlic Butter
I ADORE SCALLOPS. Well, I actually love all types of seafood. When I polled my Instagram audience a few weeks ago, I was happy to see requests for more seafood recipes.
You guys are my people!
I could honestly enjoy seafood all day, every day. Seafood dinners are easy to make and, when seasoned correctly, TASTE SO GOOD! I know a lot of people feel intimidated by fancy seafood recipes but, today, I’m bringing you one of my favorite easy scallop recipes.
What are scallops and what do they taste like?
Scallops are a type of mollusk. Similar to clams, mussels, and oysters, their interior muscle is surrounded by two shells. They taste sweet with slightly briny flavor and, are super tender and a great source of protein.
What is blackened seasoning?
In essence, blackened seasoning is really Cajun seasoning. Blackened is more of a cooking method in conjunction with the seasoning. When you make blackened seafood, you first season the fish with the spice blend, melt butter on a hot pan, and sear on both sides until you achieve a delicious crust.
A simple blackened seasoning is usually made up of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, thyme, oregano, salt + pepper. Some blends don’t have sugar but I find that adding sugar helps to caramelize scallops with a perfect crust. YUM.
This spice blend is smoky, a little spicy, and overall perfectly balanced.
Recommended For This Recipe
How To Make Pan Seared Scallops
Scallops cook pretty quickly so make sure not to walk away from the stove as they’re searing or you run the risk of them burning.
- Make blackened seasoning. In a bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dry the scallops. On a clean surface, place the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels to absorb any moisture. Generously season scallops with the seasoning. Set aside.
- Pan sear the scallops. In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. Making sure the scallops don’t touch (they should be about 1-inch apart from each other on the pan), sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes, undisturbed, until you get a golden brown crust.
- Make the garlic butter pan sauce. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic paste. Pour the garlic butter sauce on top of the scallops. Flip the scallops then cook for another 1-2 minutes, undisturbed, until they have opaque with a golden crust.
What To Serve with Pan Seared Scallops
These pan seared scallops are the perfect dinner for any busy weeknight. You can serve them with a mashed potatoes, simple salad, white rice, or risotto.
Personally, I love serving it with white rice because all that melted garlic butter goodness gets all soaked. SIGHHHH. It makes for the best easy dinner! Then again, I love rice so much that I’d probably pair it with every meal. My Cuban roots are showing.
Can’t wait for you to make this dish!
You may also like:
- Quick + Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Skewers
- Cuban-Style Shrimp Creole (The BEST Shrimp Recipe!)
- Easy Parmesan Risotto
- How To Make White Rice (2 Ways!)
Pan Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste, (Start with 1/4 teaspoon then taste and adjust as needed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, mashed into a paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or another oil with a high smoke point
- 1 pound sea scallops
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Parmesan risotto
- White rice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- On a clean surface, place the sea scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Generously season scallops with the seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Making sure the scallops don't touch (they should be about 1-inch apart from each other on the pan), sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes, undisturbed.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic paste.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce on top of the scallops. Flip the scallops then cook for another 1-2 minutes, undisturbed. The scallops are done when they're opaque and have browned.
- Remove from the heat and transfer to a plate. Serve with a simple salad, white rice, pasta or risotto. Enjoy!
Loved it!
Excellent recipe!
We are always on the look out for new recipes, especially at this time of year. Thanks for this one
Great recipe! My hubby loved it!
This is an awesome easy dinner! Thank you!
These scallops were amazing! No complaints!