Harbor Style Seared Scallops

Tender, golden-seared sea scallops finished with a bright, aromatic lemon-dill butter, evoking the essence of a seaside harbor dinner.

I first served this at a family gathering and everyone loved the delicate flavors that reminded us of a day by the sea

Ingredients

• Scallops: 1½ pounds (700 g) large sea scallops dry-packed, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon-Dill Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 small garlic clove minced, pinch of sea salt
• Garnish (Optional): Lemon wedges, extra fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

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Step 1:

Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 4:

Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer, spacing them apart. Sear without moving for 23 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 5:

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 12 minutes, just until opaque and barely firm to the touch. Do not overcook.

Step 6:

Immediately transfer scallops to a platter. While still hot, top with dollops of the lemon-dill butter, allowing it to melt over the scallops.

Step 7:

Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs. Serve at once.

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe always brings smiles at our family dinners and reminds us of coastal vacations

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad for a complete harbor-style meal.

Wine Pairings

Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the lemon-dill butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate to save time on the day of cooking.

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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.

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This simple finishing touch of lemon-dill butter elevates the scallops to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve a perfect sear on scallops?

Pat scallops dry thoroughly and heat oil until shimmering. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip briefly.

→ What is the purpose of lemon-dill butter?

The lemon-dill butter adds bright, fresh flavor and richness, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops.

→ Can I use frozen scallops for this dish?

Dry-packed scallops work best for searing. If using frozen, thaw completely and dry well before cooking.

→ What sides pair well with seared scallops?

Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad complement the dish, balancing its rich and fresh flavors.

→ How should I store the lemon-dill butter if made ahead?

Refrigerate the butter up to 2 days before use, allowing flavors to meld while keeping it fresh.