Go Back
Garlic Butter Scallops with White Wine Sauce served elegantly on a plate.

Garlic Butter Scallops with White Wine Sauce

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly seared garlic scallops in a rich white wine sauce, perfect for a fancy yet stress-free dinner at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound sea scallops, dry packed About 1 to 1.25 pounds.
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup white wine, dry Like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice Plus wedges for serving.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the scallops really dry with paper towels to achieve a golden crust.
  2. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Once the butter melts and looks foamy, place scallops in the pan in a single layer, not crowding them.
  3. Let the scallops cook for about 2 minutes without moving them. Then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned and opaque in the center.
  4. Remove scallops to a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan.
  5. Add minced garlic and stir for about 20-30 seconds, just until fragrant, without allowing it to brown.
  6. Pour in the white wine and scrape up the browned bits, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, parsley, or red pepper flakes as desired.
  8. Return the scallops to the pan for 30 seconds to warm and coat them with the sauce.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for dipping, pasta, risotto, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. For a richer sauce, whisk in a spoonful of cream at the end.