Citrus Glazed Seared Sea Scallops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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These Citrus Glazed Seared Sea Scallops are a bright and zesty twist on a classic seafood dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal, they're sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients for Citrus Glazed Seared Sea Scallops

Sea scallops are the star of the dish, offering a tender and slightly sweet bite. Be sure to get fresh ones if possible, as they'll be the juiciest and most flavorful. Orange juice and lemon juice provide a bright, tangy base for the glaze, while honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the citrus. Olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear. Garlic infuses the glaze with a hint of savory depth. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. Finally, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish, and butter enriches the glaze, giving it a silky texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the scallops are completely dry before searing; moisture prevents a good sear.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; it lowers the heat and leads to steaming rather than searing.
  • If scallops are stuck to the pan, give them another minute or so — they’ll release when properly seared.

Serving Suggestions

These scallops pair beautifully with a light, refreshing salad — think arugula or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just make sure they're fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and texture.

Citrus Glazed Seared Sea Scallops Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, give those sea scallops a good rinse under cold water to remove any grit. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels — this is key to achieving a nice sear. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This will be your delightful citrus glaze.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering but not smoking. Place the scallops in the skillet, making sure they have some breathing room and aren't touching each other. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side, or until they're golden brown and easily lift from the pan.

Flip the scallops and carefully pour the citrus glaze into the skillet. The aroma at this point is going to be incredible! Let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, occasionally basting with the glaze, until the scallops are cooked through. They'll look opaque and feel firm to the touch.

Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. With the skillet still on the heat, add the butter to the remaining glaze. Stir it around until the butter melts and the glaze thickens slightly. Drizzle this luscious sauce over the scallops and sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Uses fresh, simple ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and citrus tang.
  • Great for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

1 lb sea scallops
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the sea scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the scallops to the skillet, ensuring they are not touching each other, and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
5. Flip the scallops and add the citrus glaze to the skillet.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, basting with the glaze, until the scallops are cooked through.
7. Remove the scallops from the skillet and add butter to the remaining glaze, stirring until slightly thickened.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the scallops and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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