Creamy Scallops

Content… Creamy Garlic Scallops Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Seafood Recipes to Try Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Scallops

Not only are Creamy Garlic Scallops so easy to make, but they’re also incredibly delicious. Every spoonful of this creamy delight will surely give you pure heavenly bliss with every bite. 😋

The sauce is super creamy and velvety and bursting with bright and savory flavors from garlic, thyme, and butter. Then the lemon juice and wine add a refreshing zing, giving our sauce another layer of fantastic flavor. That’s a sure-winner dish right there. And if that doesn’t scream perfection, I don’t know what will. 😉

Recipe Ingredients

Although our Creamy Scallops are glowing with pure elegance and style, they’re actually pretty simple to make. Using only basic kitchen staples, you’ll have them ready in less than 20 minutes from pan to table. I have to warn you, though, because it’ll fly off the table even faster. 😂

• Sea Scallops – Choose scallops with similar sizes for the presentation and even cooking time. Any size will do as long as they are fresh. Don’t forget to season your scallops before searing them to lock in the flavors. Aside from salt and pepper, you could season them with Creole Seasoning or All-Purpose Seasoning to amp up the flavor.
• Aromatics – The secret to every dish is, of course, our beloved garlic’s sensational flavor and aroma. And I bet you’ll also love the fragrance and minty notes of thyme.
• Wine – Dry white wine is your best bet for cooking seafood because it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to our dish. Examples of this wine are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sémillon, and dry sparkling wines. Feel free to skip the wine and use broth if you want to make it alcohol-free. 😉
• Heavy or Whipping Cream – It wouldn’t be called creamy scallops without the cream, of course. But if it’s “too creamy” for you, you can easily replace it with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk. However, you might need to add a slurry to thicken the sauce if using a thinner substitute.
• Lemon Juice – The citrusy flavor profile adds a refreshing zing to about any seafood dish, and this one is no exception.
• Dijon Mustard – This condiment gives bolder flavor to our sauce with its tangy and sharp taste. Yum!

How to Make Creamy Scallops

Season and Pan-Fry the Scallops

• Rinse and Dry – Rinse the scallops with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Line a large plate with paper towels, then place scallops on paper towels. Top with more towels and thoroughly pat dry to absorb any liquid to ensure a good sear. Let it wait while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. (Photo 1)
• Season the scallops with salt and pepper. You can also add salt-free Creole-Cajun seasoning.
• Heat the Oil – Add oil to the cast-iron skillet, then heat on medium to high until it barely reaches the smoking point. (You don’t want to burn your oil, either.)
• Sear and Set Aside – Once the cast-iron skillet is hot, add the scallops, leaving space between them. Sear them on each side for about 3 minutes (until almost firm to the touch and golden brown). Remove and set aside. Let the pan cool for a minute before proceeding with the sauce. (Photos 2-3)

Make the Sauce

• Saute – Add butter to the skillet, followed by garlic and minced thyme, then saute for a minute or less. (Photo 4)
• Add White Wine and Simmer – Add the white wine, stir and scrape up any brown bits from the side of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Let the Sauce Thicken – Add the heavy cream, mustard, Creole seasoning, and lemon juice, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens a bit, 2-3 minutes. (Photos 5-6)
• Add the Scallops – Return the scallops and any liquid that collects in the bowl to the pan. Stir them until coated with the sauce, and cook until warmed through. (Photo 7-8)
• Adjust Seasoning and Serve – Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, and salad. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

1. More Seafood – You may substitute scallops with shrimp, lobster, mussels, oysters, and even squid because they all have similar textures and flavors. Or turn our dish into a creamy seafood fiesta by adding them all at once. Ooh! You’re going to love it! ❤
2. Creamy and Cheesy – Cheese for the win! Need I say more? I suggest Parmesan, cheddar, or Gouda; their cheesy flavors are on point but not too overpowering. 👌
3. Savory and Spicy – Crank up the heat by adding a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne to awaken your heat rebel tastebuds. 😉

Tips and Tricks

1. Be careful not to overcook your scallops, or they’ll be chewy and rubbery.
2. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the scallops. I used large ones, and they took 2-3 minutes to cook on each side.
3. If using half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk, I suggest skipping the lemon to prevent the sauce from curdling.
4. Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh scallops at your local seafood market because frozen scallops will do the trick.

Make-Ahead Instructions

I don’t recommend making this dish ahead due to the scallops’ delicate texture and how easy it is to overcook them. And since you can have this dish on the table in 20 minutes, I suggest cooking them right before serving to enjoy them at their best. However, you could prep your scallops by washing and marinating them a day before to deepen the flavor.

Serving and Storage Instructions

My favorite way to serve this will always be over pasta with lots of garlic and thyme. And serving it with herb-infused bread, such as focaccia and garlic bread, will ultimately give you the best comfort food experience. Satisfaction guaranteed! 👌👌👌

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for four days. Simply reheat on a stovetop over low heat until warmed through when ready to serve.

You can also freeze cooked scallops, without the sauce, for up to 3 months. Prepare and make the sauce on the day of serving for the best result.

FAQs

What to Serve with Creamy Scallops

If you plan to serve these creamy scallops with pasta or rice, I suggest pairing our dish with these equally enticing recipes below for the perfect dinner combo. It makes a fantastic meal perfect for any special occasion or simple family dinner. 😉

1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
2. Green Bean Casserole
3. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
4. 3-Ingredient Biscuits
5. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

More Seafood Recipes to Try

1. Pan-Seared Scallops
2. Jambalaya
3. Crab-Stuffed Shrimp
4. Crawfish Etouffee
5. Lobster Mac and Cheese

Conclusion

It’s time to show off your inner chef skills with this luscious creamy scallops recipe. You’ll love making a restaurant-quality meal without spending too much. And the best part is that it’s pretty straightforward to make. Who knew a 20-minute dish could be this good? All the more reason for you to try it. 😉