Healthy Garlic Scallops Recipe (2024)

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

Jump to RecipeTo 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 clarifiedbutter/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!

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 Herefrom Amazon.

Then you can mop it up with some crusty bread orserve 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.

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 garlicand a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up.

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.

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.

Healthy Garlic Scallops Recipe (6)

4.94 from 15 votes

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!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:10 minutes mins

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

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: scallops, seafood

Servings: 2

Calories: 391kcal

Author: Florentina

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Healthy Garlic Scallops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the healthiest way to eat scallops? ›

Many recipes call for breading or cream sauces, but scallops are naturally low in fat, so the more simply you cook raw scallops, the healthier they are.

Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

Scallops, like many other types of seafood, can have a mild fishy odor that some people find off-putting. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent.

Are scallops healthy for you? ›

Scallops are widely considered one of the healthiest seafoods. Made up of 80% protein and sporting a low fat content, they can help you feel fuller longer and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of antioxidants.

Are sauteed scallops healthy? ›

Scallops are not just low in calories and cholesterol, but also low in most unhealthy saturated fats, so they're great for weight management. Whether you're looking to gain or lose weight, scallops can be an excellent part of your regular diet.

Are scallops healthier than shrimp? ›

Although shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, it can still be a part of a heart-healthy diet. This is because it contains a high amount of 'good' cholesterol. Scallops are low in cholesterol and therefore do not pose a risk of raising your cholesterol levels. They are also low in saturated fats.

What happens if you don't rinse scallops before cooking? ›

No, you don't need to rinse our scallops before eating them. Our scallops are shucked and go through a saltwater rinse, which removes any sand, grit, or debris. That being said, some people may still prefer to rinse their scallops before cooking or eating them, and that's totally fine.

Why do you have to wash scallops for 10 minutes? ›

Make sure you wash in free running water for at least 10 minutes after shucking, rinsing & trimming to ensure all toxins are effectively removed.

How long do you let scallops soak in milk? ›

Then, I recommend soaking the scallops in milk for an hour.

It removes the “fishy” odor and taste. Some fish, like salmon, only takes 20 minutes. Make sure you discard the milk.

Should scallops be brought to room temperature before cooking? ›

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture. 2. Sprinkle scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

How many scallops should you eat? ›

Each serving is 100 g or 3.5 oz. That's about 2-3 large scallops or 4-5 medium ones. So, a healthy diner can have 16-60 scallops a week, depending on their size and weight.

Are scallops better grilled or fried? ›

They can be fried, poached, seared on the stovetop, and even consumed raw (scallop crudo, anyone?). But today, we're talking about grilling them, which, in my opinion, is the easiest and tastiest way to cook them at home.

Can you eat too many scallops? ›

Fish and shellfish in this category, such as salmon, catfish, tilapia, lobster and scallops, are safe to eat two to three times a week, or 8 to 12 ounces per week, according to the FDA.

Is it better to cook scallops in oil or butter? ›

Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

What oil is best for scallops? ›

What type of oil should you use to cook scallops? A light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil will begin to smoke immediately over high heat. Instead, reach for grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

Are scallops better steamed or fried? ›

Generally, the best way to cook scallops is searing them. Seared scallops are cooked on the stovetop, usually in a cast iron skillet to get an excellent sear, using butter or oil to get them nice and crispy. The result is a crisp, golden brown exterior with a delicate balance of savory, tender scallops inside.

Are scallops better fried or boiled? ›

Many chefs feel that scallops are better simply sauteed in butter and herbs. Scallops also cook quickly at high heat. Dry sea scallops are perfect for searing, since they don't let go of moisture in a hot pan. Simply cook them in a lightly buttered, hot pan and serve.

Are scallops good or bad for cholesterol? ›

Scallops are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and people can eat them as part of a nutritious diet. However, adding extra ingredients, such as butter, to scallops can increase the dish's saturated fat content, so people should bear this in mind when ordering in a restaurant or cooking scallops at home.

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