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Healthy Garlic Scallops Recipe

Best garlic scallops recipe, seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet and cooked in a healthy clarified butter for the ultimate seafood meal!

Garlic Scallops in Healthy Clarified Butter in a Cast Iron Skillet

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To sear the scallops you will need organic Ghee like This + cast iron skillet (<–amazon)

A quick post today on how to make easy, good for you, Italian garlic scallops that are perfectly seared yet succulent, garlicky and saucy! You can serve them as an appetizer, starter, or dinner for two with angel hair pasta or over a creamy risotto! 

The Best Garlic Scallops Recipe of Your Life!

Initially I planned to make some shrimp, but could not find any wild caught ones at the market, so I grabbed some large wild sea scallops instead. 

Lucky me, I also had all that clarified butter /Ghee from the other day, so really, everything finally aligned to make this happen.

Healthy scallops, you don’t even have to worry about eating too much!

Garlic Scallops Healthy

The liquid gold butter ghee, is what makes the most delicious sauce for those scallops to swim in. ( If you don’t want to bother making it, you can just order some Here from Amazon.

Then you can mop it up with some crusty bread or serve them with rice, asparagus, steamed vegetables, frutti di mare or angel hair pasta aglio e olio + lots of lemon. Garlic spinach and pea puree also make lovely pairings.

So dust off that old cast iron skillet, it’s the only way to get perfectly seared scallops without overcooking them, and ending up with a rubbery mess.

Garlic Scallops Healthy

TIP: make sure your scallops are completely patted dry well on paper towels!

You can’t work with watery scallops!

Simply coated in a little bit of olive oil, seasoned well and quickly seared in a hot skillet for no more than 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Easy, simple, perfect, deliciousness! 

Then you add your clarified butter, lots of garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up.

Healthy Italian Pan Seared Garlic Scallops

FAQ: Are Sea Scallops Healthy ?

They are a low fat, low calorie, lean protein source, rich in vitamin B-12, essential minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids; but honestly if you look at scientific research they are far from healthy and should be avoided. 

Golden Brown Cast Iron Pan Seared Garlic Scallops in Healthy Clarified Butter

UPDATE: since first posting this garlic scallops recipe I’ve become aware of the overwhelming scientific nutritional research and evidence and can no longer support anything but a Plant-Based diet, for the human health, animal welfare and our Planet. We can still enjoy some Vegan Scallops made from king oyster mushrooms and cooked in plant based butter, check out the recipe here.

Garlic Scallops
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Healthy Garlic Scallops Recipe

Italian garlic scallops, seared to a golden perfection in a cast iron pan and cooked in healthy clarified butter for the ultimate seafood meal!
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Italian
Keyword scallops, seafood
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 391kcal
Author Florentina

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large scallops
  • 1/4 c clarified butter ghee
  • 5 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 large lemon zested
  • 1/4 c Italian parsley roughly chopped
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt + more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp peppercorn medley freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • A pinch of sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Make sure to pat dry the scallops on paper towels very well before cooking.
  • Heat up a large cast iron skillet on medium flame.
  • Meanwhile in a medium bowl toss the scallops with a drizzle of olive oil or butter ghee, just enough to coat it all over. Sprinkle them with the sea salt, cracked pepper, red pepper flakes and sweet paprika. Toss to coat gently.
  • Add a little drizzle of butter ghee to the hot skillet, just enough to coat the bottom. Add the scallops making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely golden. ( Use a small spatula to flip them over individually )
  • Add the butter ghee to the skillet with the scallops and then add the garlic. Remove from heat and using a spatula push the garlic around to infuse the sauce for about 30 seconds. The heat from the skillet will be enough for the garlic to work its magic into the butter. This is how you avoid that pungent burnt garlicky taste we don’t like.
  • We are just looking to extract all that sweetness from the garlic, and this is how you do it, without burning.
  • Squeeze half of the lemon all over the scallops and move the skillet around a little so it combines with the butter. Sprinkle with the minced parsley, lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or al dente capellini noodles.

Notes

If serving with capellini noodles, make about 1/4 pound per person, and stretch the sauce with some of the pasta water the noodles cooked in.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 1481mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 16.2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Dinners, Gluten Free Tagged With: Easy Seafood Recipes, Healthy Seafood Recipes, Scallop Recipes, Scallops, Scallops Recipe, Seafood Dishes, Seafood Recipes

About Florentina

Hi, I'm Florentina, the voice behind the wholesome recipes you find in this journal. But I'm not alone, I'm really just channeling the Man in the Photo, one recipe at a time! Thank you for joining me in my quest for the art of simple, rustic living, trying to capture the raw beauty of organic food & life through the lens of my Iphone and camera.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mira

    July 30, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    These look gorgeous! I’ve been thinking of scallops for a few days! Definitely giving this recipe a try!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 30, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you Mira, i hope you try them, such an easy weeknight dinner recipe!

      Reply
  2. Swah

    July 31, 2015 at 12:33 am

    Oh yum these look so tasty and easy to make!

    Reply
  3. [email protected]

    July 31, 2015 at 12:35 am

    This looks so delicious. I am a fish person and I am definitely going to love this.

    Reply
  4. Ange

    July 31, 2015 at 2:01 am

    Your recipe has inspired me to try cooking scallops. Such a simple recipe but looks like a taste sensation. Can’t wait to give them try!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 31, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      Oh Ange, so glad to hear, and i want a report back 😉 Simple is my middle name!

      Reply
  5. thehungrymum

    July 31, 2015 at 3:02 am

    my mouth is literally watering at the sight of these sexy scallops. Divine. ps – Yummed this.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 31, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      10 minutes girl, and you got these on the table! Pronto !

      Reply
  6. Germaine

    July 31, 2015 at 4:11 am

    This looks delicious. I will give it a try. Beautiful photos

    Reply
  7. Sara | Belly Rumbles (@bellyrumbles)

    July 31, 2015 at 4:25 am

    They look glorious!

    Reply
  8. Santiago

    July 31, 2015 at 4:40 am

    It looks incredible!!! Now I have to try this!! Amazing pics! 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 31, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you Santiago! I will give your compliments to my Iphone 🙂

      Reply
  9. cass0327

    July 31, 2015 at 5:54 am

    Looks delicious and beautiful photos!! Yum!

    Reply
    • Victoria

      August 30, 2020 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      They looks so good! I’m going to surprise my husband with them 🙂

      Reply
  10. shobelyn

    July 31, 2015 at 6:01 am

    Boy, this looks so good …. I have never tried a scallop before, now may be the perfect time .

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 31, 2015 at 10:24 pm

      Oh no, you try scallops or the naughty corner is yours. Your choice 😉

      Reply
  11. The Chunky Chef

    July 31, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Ohhhhh wow, we LOVE scallops (although getting good quality ones in Ohio can be a bit tough)… and these look fabulous!! Yay, no naughty corner for me, I have 5 cast iron skillets to choose from lol 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      July 31, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      My kind of girl! Cast Iron Forever ! xo’s

      Reply
      • Bobbi Rogers

        December 5, 2016 at 9:12 am

        I have a whole collection of cast iron that I use everyday. I love them.
        How do you make the ghee?

        Reply
        • Florentina

          December 5, 2016 at 12:06 pm

          Hi Bobbi, here’s a tutorial on how to make your own ghee at home. So easy 🙂 http://ciaoflorentina.com/how-to-clarify-butter-ghee/

          Reply
  12. Erin @ Platings and Pairings

    July 31, 2015 at 8:43 am

    This sauce looks AMAZING!!! I love scallops and these look perfect!

    Reply
  13. Dini @ The Flavor Bender

    July 31, 2015 at 9:36 am

    I think I’m in love with this!! I love scallops but I’m the only one in the family who does love it! Maybe I can change their minds with this! 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 4, 2015 at 12:20 am

      Yes you can !! I believe in you Dini 😉

      Reply
  14. Derek

    July 31, 2015 at 10:12 am

    This looks so good!

    Reply
  15. Claudia | Gourmet Project

    August 1, 2015 at 3:01 am

    mouthwatering! and GOURMET healthy!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 4, 2015 at 12:22 am

      Yes that’s what i was after, to make them healthy without sacrificing the flavor. Clarified butter is my friend !

      Reply
  16. gonnawantseconds

    August 2, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    I can’t wait to try these gorgeous scallops! Stumbling NOW!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 4, 2015 at 12:23 am

      Thanks a bunch ! You rock!

      Reply
  17. Katalina @ Peas and Peonies

    August 3, 2015 at 7:23 am

    Florentina, these scallops look OMG amazing, all that sauce, and the garlic flavor, and they are so perfectly browned, loving them and drooling at my screen!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 4, 2015 at 12:21 am

      Why thank you ! Mission accomplished ha!

      Reply
  18. nagimaehashi

    August 3, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    OMG. These look INCREDIBLE! Look how juicy and sparkly and glossy they are! You totally nailed it!! And actually, this is very similar to how I make MINE! great minds think alike 😉 Pinning!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 4, 2015 at 12:22 am

      Exactly !! And really I am so happy to get a compliment like this from the queen of food photography ! Honored!

      Reply
  19. Bam's Kitchen

    August 9, 2015 at 4:27 am

    Florentina, these look outstanding! Perfect and Pinned!

    Reply
  20. homemadefoodjunkie

    October 21, 2015 at 8:10 am

    5 stars
    I just ate breakfast and this recipe is still making me hungry! I want a piece of garlic bread to sop up that sauce too!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      October 21, 2015 at 7:01 pm

      That’s great, don’t you love that feeling ?teeheehee

      Reply
  21. Sara | Life's Little Sweets

    March 24, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    5 stars
    I could eat these, all day, every day, scallops are a total weakness for me, pinning for later and sharing this, they look amazing!

    Reply
  22. Lyn

    March 25, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    The lemon directions are confusing. The ingredients say 1 lemon but down below in directions it say half a lemon.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      March 25, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Lyn, that’s because some people like more lemon over their scallops than others. So this way you can have extra on the side if you prefer an extra fresh squeeze. Enjoy the scallops- Have a great weekend !

      Reply
  23. Richi Ackerman

    May 15, 2016 at 11:51 am

    5 stars
    Florentina, great recipe, with great photos. You know, we begin to eat a meal with our eyes before the food ever touches our tongues. I did not have to stand in the corner for 20 minutes, as my cast iron pot gets used often. Seasoned well, and kept oiled and ready to use. I enjoy the way you write. As if we were having a conversation. That makes it enjoyable to read. I will post some of my kitchen escapades when I have put together a recipe and photos. Mostly, I make other folks recipes. Some are from family recipes, but not many. Thanks for sharing this one. I’ll bet I could even make this while camping. Because, camping food isn’t always hamburgers, hot dogs, and smores for me. Regards, Richi Ackerman

    Reply
    • Florentina

      May 16, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Thank you so much Richi, so glad you enjoy the site, and so proud of you for having that cast iron skillet ready to rock and rocll 😉 For sure you can make this while camping, let me know if you do it and send us photos. That would be such a great camping trip ! ~ Florentina

      Reply
  24. BK

    June 2, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    I made this recipe tonight and it was fantastic and cooked to perfection with a great flavor blend. The simplicity was perfect too. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      June 5, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      I am so glad to hear ! Thank you for stopping by, hope you enjoy more of our recipes ~ Florentina

      Reply
  25. Billy

    October 15, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Hi,
    Looks amazingly tasty, what is best served with scallop dishes or with this specifically ?
    Thanks,
    Billy

    Reply
    • Florentina

      October 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

      Thanks Billy, these scallops are perfect over a bed of polenta or mashed potatoes. You can also make some thin capellini noodles to toss together. Enjoy ~ Florentina

      Reply
  26. Margi

    November 18, 2016 at 9:49 am

    I cannot cook in a cast iron skillet. I have a genetic illness where my body has too much iron – hemochromatosis. Can I use a stainless steel pan instead and get equally good results?

    Reply
    • Florentina

      November 18, 2016 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Margi, so sorry to hear that. You can definitely still cook the scallops, I do not recommend stainless steel in this case just because it is difficult to work with because of sticking. I would say go for a skillet with enamel or ceramic, something that won’t stick. Also make sure your scallops are patted dry very well and at room temperature for a good 20 minutes. Then coat them well in olive oil so they won’t stick. Let me know how it goes ~ Florentina

      Reply
  27. Ginny Reinholdt

    February 4, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious. This will definitely be a go to for scallops. Making this dish in the cast iron fry pan really gave the scallops a beautiful browning; which I never achieved in other pans. We had rice and oven roasted broccoli with it and it made a great pairing.

    Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      February 4, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      I am so glad Ginny! Cast iron really does its magic here. Roasted broccoli sounds so good with scallops, gotta try that combo myself! Happy Weekend! ~Florentina

      Reply
  28. smalltownksgirl

    March 6, 2017 at 10:44 am

    Scallop recipe looks delicious, can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      March 6, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      thank you, report back when you try it 🙂

      Reply
  29. Meg

    April 8, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Just got home from the grocery store picked up all the ingredients can’t wait to try these they look amazing!!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      April 8, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Enjoy!!!

      Reply
  30. Donalda Herrin

    April 10, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    This Garlic Scallops recipe was the most amazing scallops we have ever had! I would totally recommend it to anyone who loves scallops. Yum

    Reply
    • Florentina

      April 11, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Doing the happy dance right now! I happen to agree 😉 ~ Florentina Xo’s

      Reply
  31. Rosalba

    April 17, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    We made this recipe tonight and it was delicious!! Will definitely make it again. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      April 19, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Woohoo! So happy, garlic scallops are a major hit for us every time too 🙂

      Reply
  32. Mel

    May 20, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    Looks delicious! I am going to try asap… but my question is butter ghee? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      May 23, 2017 at 11:48 am

      Hi Mel, I’m not sure I understand the question. Ghee is clarified butter that is good for you 🙂 You can quickly make your own or just purchase it at the store. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  33. Mary L

    June 20, 2017 at 4:37 am

    I can’t afford the butter on Amazon! How do I substitute?

    Reply
    • Florentina

      June 20, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Hi Mary, you can make your own clarified butter/ ghee at home. It is very easy actually, just follow this guide: https://ciaoflorentina.com/how-to-clarify-butter-ghee/

      Reply
  34. Kim

    September 5, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    I loved this recipe…..Whole 30 Compliant and delicious….thanks for sharing

    Reply
  35. Liz

    March 9, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    4 stars
    This is such a wonderful recipe- I’ve used it more than once (with halibut, too) but its FAR from healthy with all that butter and oil!

    Reply
  36. Brittany

    April 19, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    5 stars
    These were amazing. Every scallop I have ever tried in fancy or not so fancy restaurants have been a disappointment. Made these at home with this recipe and for first time I have enjoy scallops!! Thank you!

    Reply
  37. Debbie

    August 4, 2018 at 5:50 am

    I made this twice already. It has so much flavor and goes together so fast. It’s a keeper.

    Reply
  38. Dianna

    September 17, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    5 stars
    I was so nervous about how these would turn out. They came out amazzzzzing! My fiancé LOVED them. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe:)))

    Reply
  39. Patricia Kalinowski

    October 3, 2018 at 5:45 am

    Love this recipe! It was easy to put together and so flavorful.

    Reply
  40. Christine

    November 3, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was awesome! I love the lemon zest, and adding the garlic at the end made it perfect. The only thing I didn’t care for was the Italian parsley, and I will leave it out next time. Everything else was awesome! My husband and daughters loved it too!

    Reply
  41. Tania

    August 16, 2019 at 9:51 pm

    5 stars
    These were fabulous!

    Reply
  42. DoctorJoeE

    May 20, 2020 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe tonight — delicious, nutritious, looks professionally prepared, and couldn’t be easier to make. Highly recommended!

    Reply
  43. Brenda

    July 10, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    Made this tonight and it turned out wonderfully .I added shrimp so that I could have the scallops and shrimp with pasta. Made ghee for the 1st time and what a really nice addition..should not be missed. Adds a lovely buttery nutty flavor. Thanks for the recipe! I am new to your website look forward to seeing what else is there. Thanks.

    Reply
  44. Darla

    July 23, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    Made this tonight for the second time in a month I n one of my many cast iron pans. So delicious! Added extra garlic as you can never have too much garlic. Had the scallops and sauce over long grain wild rice and a side of asparagus. Oh and bread to wipe up the garlicky sauce on every inch of my plate

    Reply
  45. Mobasir hassan

    November 3, 2021 at 8:51 am

    5 stars
    Its a true winner and i am truly appreciate the way you made this. Everything is so nicely describe that really helped me. I am looking forward for more such recipe sin future too.

    Reply

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Ciao Florentina Channeling the Man in the Photo, one recipe at a time, mostly Italian and Vegetarian lifestyle! Please join my quest for the art of simple, rustic living, trying to capture the raw beauty of food & life through the lens of my Iphone - Florentina L.

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