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Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach

Name: Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 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

By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 15, 2026 | Updated May 11, 2026

American-Inspired 20 mins quickeasypescatarianonepanskilletlightweeknightflavorfultimessaver

Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach with measured ingredients, 20-minute timing, 4-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for one-pot, one-pan, skillet, casserole, and sheet-pan recipes.

Prep 10 min

Cook 10 min

Total 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American-Inspired

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

Ingredients for Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach

Instructions

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

Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

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.

Cookware Size Guidance

For best results with this one-pan skillet meal serving 4 , use a 10 to 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet .

Cookware Swap Guidance

et, 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.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

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Skillet Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Lemon Spinach

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions