Harbor-Style Seared Scallops

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Experience tender scallops seared to a golden crust, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. A vibrant lemon-dill butter melts over the top, infusing fresh citrus and herbal notes. Quick to prepare, this dish embodies coastal flavors perfect for an elegant main course. Garnishing with lemon wedges and dill sprigs adds brightness and visual appeal, making it ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:26:00 GMT
Golden-brown Harbor-Style Seared Scallops glistening under melting lemon-dill butter, ready to enjoy. Pin It
Golden-brown Harbor-Style Seared Scallops glistening under melting lemon-dill butter, ready to enjoy. | hazelflint.com

Tender, golden-seared sea scallops finished with a bright, aromatic lemon-dill butter, evoking the essence of a seaside harbor dinner.

Preparation Time 15 minutes Cooking Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • Scallops: 1½ pounds (700 g) large sea scallops, dry-packed ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lemon-Dill Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 small garlic clove, minced Pinch of sea salt
  • Garnish (Optional): Lemon wedges Extra fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

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Step 1:
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 4:
Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer, spacing them apart. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.
Step 5:
Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 1–2 minutes, just until opaque and barely firm to the touch. Do not overcook.
Step 6:
Immediately transfer scallops to a platter. While still hot, top with dollops of the lemon-dill butter, allowing it to melt over the scallops.
Step 7:
Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs. Serve at once.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Preparation Time 15 minutes Cooking Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Required Tools

Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended) Mixing bowl Paper towels Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Shellfish, Dairy (butter) If using pre-packaged butter, check for possible milk allergens For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based butter

Nutritional Information

Calories 265 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 3 g Protein 26 g

Perfectly seared Harbor-Style Scallops, topped with vibrant lemon-dill butter, make a delicious coastal meal. Pin It
Perfectly seared Harbor-Style Scallops, topped with vibrant lemon-dill butter, make a delicious coastal meal. | hazelflint.com
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This recipe brings the fresh flavors of the sea right to your table in a quick and elegant way.

Recipe FAQs

What type of scallops work best?

Dry-packed large sea scallops are ideal for achieving a perfect sear and balanced texture.

How do I get a golden crust on the scallops?

Pat scallops dry, season lightly, and sear in hot olive oil without moving them for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden.

Can the lemon-dill butter be prepared ahead?

Yes, the lemon-dill butter can be mixed up to two days in advance and stored refrigerated.

What sides complement this dish well?

Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad pair beautifully to complete the meal.

How should leftover scallops be stored?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within one to two days for freshness.

Harbor-Style Seared Scallops

Golden seared sea scallops enhanced by aromatic lemon-dill butter and subtle seasoning.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe by Vivian Gray


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American, Coastal

Makes 4 Servings

Diet Preferences No Gluten, Low in Carbs

Ingredient List

Scallops

01 1½ pounds large dry-packed sea scallops
02 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
03 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon-Dill Butter

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
02 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 Pinch of sea salt

Garnish (Optional)

01 Lemon wedges
02 Extra fresh dill sprigs

Directions

Step 01

Season scallops: Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Prepare lemon-dill butter: Combine softened butter, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 03

Heat skillet: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 04

Sear scallops first side: Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer, spaced apart. Sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 05

Sear scallops second side: Flip scallops and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking.

Step 06

Serve with lemon-dill butter: Transfer scallops immediately to a serving platter. While hot, top each scallop with dollops of lemon-dill butter to melt.

Step 07

Garnish and present: Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill sprigs. Serve promptly.

Necessary Tools

  • Large cast iron or stainless steel skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergen Details

Review ingredients for allergens, and always talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; for dairy-free option, replace butter with plant-based alternative.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this nutrition info as a reference only. It‘s not intended as healthcare advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 26 g