Garlic Butter Cast-Iron Seared Scallops (Ready in 15 Minutes)

If you love garlic butter cast-iron seared scallops with a restaurant-quality crust and tender, buttery centers, this quick Southern-style seafood recipe is about to become one of your favorites.

Quick Look at the Recipe

These garlic butter cast-iron seared scallops are ready in about 15 minutes, made with simple ingredients, and finished with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs for a rich but balanced flavor.

Ready in: 15 minutes | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead Friendly: No

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Like my recipes for Blackened Grouper and Creamy Cajun Shrimp, you get big flavor with minimal effort; perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners
• Golden-brown, restaurant-style sear thanks to a hot cast-iron skillet
• Simple ingredients that let the scallops shine
• Like my recipes for 10-Minute Roasted Shrimp and Blackened Mahi Mahi, it’s ready faster than it takes to set the table

I grew up on Florida's Gulf Coast and have been cooking seafood, including scallops, for most of my life. From summer scalloping trips to decades of home cooking, this is the exact method I trust to deliver perfectly seared scallops with no fuss.

Main Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Sea scallops: Look for large, dry-packed sea scallops if possible. Wet-packed scallops are treated with preservatives that release moisture and make searing harder. If using frozen scallops, thaw them overnight and pat them very dry.
• Butter and olive oil: This combination gives you flavor from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil, helping prevent burning.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best here. Because it cooks quickly in the residual heat, it infuses the butter without turning bitter.
• Lemon: Both zest and juice are used for brightness. Lime can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.

Recipe variations and twists

• Swap parsley for fresh chives or thyme for a subtle herbal note
• Add a splash of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) to deglaze the pan
• Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a richer sauce
• Serve over creamy cheese grits for a true Southern seafood supper

How to Make Garlic Butter Cast-Iron Seared Scallops (Step-by-Step Guide)

This is a summary of the steps; the complete directions are in the recipe card below.

1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
3. Place the scallops in the hot pan in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Do not move them.

4. Sear for 1½ to 2 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque.

5. Transfer scallops to a clean plate and reduce heat to low.
6. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds.

7. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley.

8. Return scallops to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.

9. Serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

• Spoon generously over creamy Southern Cheese Grits for a classic coastal supper.
• Pair with American Coleslaw or Purple Cabbage Coleslaw.
• Serve alongside Southern Hush Puppies to soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce, and Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles for a true Southern feast.

Recipe FAQs

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

• Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed
• Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing
• Use a heavy skillet and let it get hot before adding scallops
• Resist the urge to move them until a crust forms

More 15-Minutes or Less Seafood Dinners Readers Love

If you need more easy seafood recipes or menu suggestions, here is a link to all of my seafood recipes.

Join the Conversation

If you make these garlic-butter, cast-iron-seared scallops, I'd love to hear how you served them. Leave a comment and star rating below and share your favorite seafood sides.

G&P Wisdom

If you want scallops with a golden crust, patience is your secret ingredient.

Southern Comfort Food Made Simple and Shareable
For over a decade, Grits and Pinecones has been serving up delicious recipes with a Southern flair; simple, flavorful, and perfect to share with family and friends.