Garlic Butter Herb Scallops are pan seared and have the best buttery garlic herb sauce. This is a quick and simple meal that tastes straight from a restaurant!
If you looking for another amazing scallop recipe, be sure to check out these Pan Seared Scallops with a Lemon Caper Sauce !

Garlic Butter Herb Scallops
If you’ve never tried scallops then you are in for a treat! Fish, seafood, turkey, and chicken have been a huge part of my diet lately and when I wanted something just as healthy to switch things up, I added in scallops.
They are often described as similar to crab or lobster, but more firm. Their flavor tends to be sweet and delicate, but it’s the texture that really makes them interesting and enticing. When cooked correctly, they are soft and chewy but not rubbery or tough. This recipe is packed with flavor and you will LOVE how they taste!

Are sea scallops good for you?
Scallops are 80 percent protein and a good source of magnesium and potassium. They are a delicious and healthy entree but once you add in the butter and garlic, they have so much flavor!
How to Make Garlic Butter Herb Scallops
These scallops are quick and easy to make!
- Add Scallops to Brine: In a medium-sized bowl combine salt and 1 cup hot water, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels and set aside.
- Drain and Pat: Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.
- Cook : In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and let heat until it starts to smoke. Salt and pepper the capers and add to the skillet. Sear scallops for 3- 3 1/2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté with butter: Add the butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Sauté for 1-2 minutes and add the scallops back to the pan and heat through. Garnish with lemon and fresh chopped parsley on top.

Sides to Serve with Scallops

Side Dishes
Roasted Lemon Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
13 minutes

Side Dishes
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
40 minutes

Side Dishes
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
1 hour 15 minutes

Salads
Wedge Salad
10 minutes
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Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ ⅓ cup kosher salt
- ▢ 1 cup hot water
- ▢ 1 pound large scallops
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 tablespoon capers
- ▢ salt and pepper
- ▢ 3 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 3 minced garlic cloves
- ▢ 1 teaspoon cup freshly chopped oregano
- ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
- ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- ▢ lemon wedges
- ▢ chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine ⅓ cup kosher salt and 1 cup hot water , stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add 1 pound large scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels and set aside.
- Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.
- In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the 1 tablespoon olive oil and let heat until it starts to smoke. Season the 1 tablespoon capers with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Add the scallops to the pan and sear for 3- 3 1/2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add the 3 tablespoons butter , 3 minced garlic cloves , 1 teaspoon cup freshly chopped oregano , 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary , and 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme . Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the scallops back to the pan and heat through. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley on top.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info

Garlic Butter Herb Scallops
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 pound large scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon capers
- salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon cup freshly chopped oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- lemon wedges
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine ⅓ cup kosher salt and 1 cup hot water , stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add 1 pound large scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels and set aside.
- Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.
- In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the 1 tablespoon olive oil and let heat until it starts to smoke. Season the 1 tablespoon capers with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Add the scallops to the pan and sear for 3- 3 1/2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add the 3 tablespoons butter , 3 minced garlic cloves , 1 teaspoon cup freshly chopped oregano , 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary , and 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme . Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the scallops back to the pan and heat through. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley on top.
Video
Nutrition
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Garlic Butter Herb Scallops https://therecipecritic.com/garlic-butter-herb-scallops/