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? ›

Cook them at high heat, moisten them and don't cook them for too long. Making sure they are healthy is the easiest part. Simply don't add anything that contains large amounts of fat, sugar or salt. A 450 F oven, a sprinkle of lemon juice and pepper and 10 minutes is all you need for scrumptious baked scallops.

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.

How many calories are in garlic scallops? ›

1 serving of garlic scallops contains 503 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 15% carbs, 48% fat, and 37% protein. This is a good source of protein (86% of your Daily Value), potassium (18% of your Daily Value), and magnesium (22% of your Daily Value).

What is the best cooking method for scallops? ›

Because sea scallops have a chewier texture, searing them in a hot skillet is the simplest, most effective cooking method to achieving a crisp exterior and tender, just-firm texture within. Basting the scallops with butter helps finish cooking them and enhances browning, too.

Are scallops healthy or fattening? ›

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.

What is the best oil to sear scallops in? ›

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.

Do I need to rinse scallops before cooking? ›

Give your scallops a quick rinse to remove any grit, then thoroughly pat dry with a few paper towels, as excess moisture will inhibit searing. For added insurance, you can dry your scallops in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.

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 many calories are in 5 seared Scallops? ›

There are 174 calories in 5 Scallops. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

How many calories are in 4 jumbo Scallops? ›

North Atlantic Sea Scallops (4 scallops) contains 4g total carbs, 4g net carbs, 0.5g fat, 14g protein, and 80 calories.

How many calories are in 10 fried Scallops? ›

There are 347 calories in 10 Scallops.

How many scallops per person to eat? ›

Scallops can be expensive and don't reheat well, so budget for the exact amount you need. We generally count 3–4 large scallops per person. Like shrimp, scallops vary in size; many stores will provide a count per pound, which you can use to estimate how many scallops you'll need.

Are scallops better grilled or sauteed? ›

What is the Best Method for Cooking Scallops. 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.

Are scallops better grilled or fried? ›

While grilling scallops may sound crazy, it's actually the perfect way to cook them! Quick, high heat is ideal for a food that you want to be certain not to overcook, and a light, quick kiss of char and smoke brings these gorgeous shellfish to life.

Are sauteed scallops healthy? ›

Scallops contain certain nutrients that are important for your brain and nervous system. Just 3.53 ounces (100 grams) of scallops contain over 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B12, over 16% of the DV for zinc, and more than 200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids ( 1 ).

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.

Is it better to eat scallops with roe on or off? ›

Which is Better – Roe on or Off? As previously mentioned, the answer to the question of whether a scallop with the roe on tastes better than a scallop with the roe off, is simply a matter of preference. Every palate is different and thus accustomed to certain flavours and tastes.

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