Pan-Seared Scallops with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce 

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Ingredients Overview

Before we start cooking, let’s break down everything you’ll need. High-quality ingredients are key here, especially when working with scallops.

🧂 Ingredients for the Scallops

  • 500 g (1 lb) sea scallops, large and dry-packed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Important note: Use dry-packed scallops, not wet-packed. Wet scallops release water and won’t sear properly.

🧄 Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken or seafood stock
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

🧼 Step 1: Preparing the Scallops Properly

This step is critical for achieving that beautiful golden crust.

  1. Remove scallops from packaging.
  2. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  3. If present, remove the small side muscle from each scallop.
  4. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  5. Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

👉 Why drying matters: Moisture prevents browning. Dry scallops = perfect sear.

🔥 Step 2: Searing the Scallops to Perfection

This is where the magic happens.

  1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add olive oil and butter.
  3. When butter melts and starts to shimmer, carefully place scallops in the pan.
  4. Do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
  5. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, without moving them.
  6. Flip once when a deep golden crust forms.
  7. Remove scallops and set aside on a plate.

🔥 Pro tip: If they stick, they’re not ready to flip yet.

🧄 Step 3: Building the Garlic Base

With the scallops removed, the pan now holds incredible flavor.

  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add butter to the same pan.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds.
  4. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

This step creates the aromatic foundation of the sauce.

🥛 Step 4: Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now we turn those pan drippings into liquid gold.

  1. Pour in the chicken or seafood stock.
  2. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release flavor.
  3. Add heavy cream and stir well.
  4. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Stir occasionally until slightly thickened.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

🧀 Step 5: Adding Cheese and Herbs

This is where richness and freshness come together.

  1. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Stir until fully melted.
  3. Add parsley, chives, and thyme.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for balance.

🌿 The herbs bring brightness that cuts through the cream.

🔄 Step 6: Returning the Scallops to the Sauce

  1. Gently place scallops back into the pan.
  2. Spoon sauce over each scallop.
  3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes only.
  4. Do not overcook—scallops should stay tender.

At this point, the scallops absorb the sauce without losing texture.

🍽️ Step 7: Plating Like a Restaurant Chef

Presentation matters.

  1. Spoon sauce onto a warm plate.
  2. Arrange scallops on top.
  3. Drizzle extra sauce generously.
  4. Garnish with fresh herbs.
  5. Serve immediately.

✨ Optional finishing touch: freshly cracked black pepper or Parmesan shavings.

🥖 Best Side Dishes to Serve With This Recipe

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Garlic butter rice
  • Pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
  • Steamed asparagus or green beans
  • Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Using wet-packed scallops
  • ❌ Overcrowding the pan
  • ❌ Overcooking scallops
  • ❌ Burning garlic
  • ❌ Boiling the cream

Avoid these, and your dish will be flawless.

🔁 Variations You Can Try

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

🍋 Lemon Cream Sauce

Increase lemon juice and add zest.

🍄 Mushroom Cream Sauce

Sauté mushrooms before garlic.

🧈 Butter-Heavy French Style

Use more butter and less cream.

🥗 Nutritional Notes (Approximate)

  • High in protein
  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Keto-friendly
  • Gluten-free

Scallops are lean yet luxurious—perfect for balanced indulgence.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Eat or Pass?

EAT. No hesitation.

This pan-seared scallop recipe delivers:

✔ Restaurant-quality results

✔ Simple techniques

✔ Incredible flavor

✔ Elegant presentation

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