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Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 15, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American-Inspired 20 mins quickeasypescatarianhighproteinonepanskilletfamily-friendlyhealthylightweeknightflavorfultimessaver

This easy one-pan skillet recipe delivers tender, golden brown scallops atop garlicky lemon spinach cooked in rich butter. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, flavorful pescatarian dinner perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.

Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach
Prep 10 min
Cook 10 min
Total 20 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Total20 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 lb (450g) sea scallops, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  2. Once hot, season the scallops liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Place scallops in the skillet spaced evenly. Sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust.
  4. Flip scallops gently and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove scallops from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
  6. Once butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (avoid burning).
  7. Add fresh spinach and toss until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Season spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Return the scallops to the skillet on top of the spinach to warm briefly for 30 seconds.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Need to swap ingredients? Here are substitution tips to tailor this one-pan skillet meal for dietary preferences or availability:

  • Sea Scallops: Substitute large shrimp or firm white fish fillets such as cod or halibut for a similar pescatarian high-protein alternative.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free while retaining rich flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Avocado or light vegetable oil works well for high-heat cooking with a neutral taste.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach: Swap with kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens for a leafy green alternative.
  • Garlic: Use garlic powder sparingly if fresh garlic is unavailable.
  • Lemon: Lime juice and zest offer a bright citrus twist.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Paprika can be used for milder heat or omit entirely for a kid-friendly version.

These substitutions keep the recipe easy, flavorful, and perfect for wholesome family dinners and quick, healthy meals.

Pan Or Pot Required

For this recipe, a large 10 to 12-inch skillet is essential to perfectly sear scallops and sauté the garlic butter lemon spinach in one pan. Heavy-bottomed skillets like cast iron or stainless steel provide even heat distribution, ensuring a beautiful golden crust on the scallops.

This one-pan skillet meal is tagged as quick, easy, one-pan, high-protein, healthy, family-friendly, weeknight, and timesaver — making the skillet not only the cooking vessel but also the serving pan. Choose a skillet with sloped sides to easily toss the spinach without spills, and avoid scratched non-stick coatings to achieve optimal searing results.

Using a single skillet enhances flavor by cooking the spinach in scallop drippings and butter while minimizing cleanup for busy weeknights.

Cookware Size Guidance

For best results with this one-pan skillet meal serving 4, use a 10 to 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet. This size offers sufficient surface area to sear scallops individually without overcrowding, allowing a golden crust and even cooking. Plus, it accommodates the spinach and garlic butter sauce for tossing and finishing the dish.

If you only have an 8-inch skillet, consider searing scallops in batches to prevent steaming. Larger pans (14 inches or more) may spread ingredients too thinly, causing uneven cooking and less flavorful results.

Optimal skillets include cast iron and stainless steel for excellent heat retention. Non-stick skillets can work but may produce a less crispy sear.

Cookware Swap Guidance

If you don’t have a skillet, suitable alternatives for preparing this one-pan Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach include:

  • Cast Iron Pan: Provides great heat retention and ideal searing capabilities for a flavorful crust.
  • Nonstick Sauté Pan: Easy cleanup and reduces sticking; monitor heat carefully to protect the coating.
  • Stainless Steel Frying Pan: Delivers good searing results, though requires attention to heat and oiling.
  • Oven-Safe Skillet: Allows finishing scallops in the oven while maintaining the one-pan approach.

Avoid cookware such as deep pots designed for soups or one-pot pasta, as they lack the surface area needed for proper searing and could cause spinach to steam excessively. Also avoid sheet pans since stovetop heat control is essential for this recipe.

Using appropriate pans ensures a high-protein, flavorful, and healthy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Leftovers Quality

This skillet seared scallops dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor tender scallops and vibrant garlic butter lemon spinach. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours due to the seafood content.

For reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid using a microwave or high heat to prevent scallops from becoming rubbery and spinach from overcooking. Adding a splash of olive oil or butter during reheating helps maintain moisture and flavor.

Because this recipe shines as a fresh, quick family dinner, portion planning is recommended, as leftovers are not ideal for freezing or extended storage.

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