![- 12 medium sea scallops, patted dry - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Zest of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (lemon and lime combined) - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Microgreens, for garnish (optional) If you cannot find sea scallops, you can use bay scallops. They are smaller but still tasty. For oils, avocado oil works well in place of olive oil. You can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option. Herbs like parsley or basil can change the flavor too. You can use them instead of cilantro. A little spice, like red pepper flakes, adds some heat if you like. Adjust these to suit your taste. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, you need to prepare the scallops. First, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear. Then, season both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step adds a lot of flavor. Next, heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers. It's important not to let it smoke. Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet. Make sure not to crowd them. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Don’t move them during this time. This helps form a golden crust. Flip the scallops using tongs. Add unsalted butter to the pan. Cook for 1-2 more minutes. Baste the scallops with melted butter for added flavor. Now, let’s make the citrus sauce. Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the citrus juice, honey, and the zests of lemon and lime. Stir the mixture and cook until it thickens slightly. This should take about a minute. Drizzle the citrus sauce over the scallops. You can garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and microgreens if you like. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your tasty meal! To cook scallops well, start with the right temperature. Heat your pan until it is hot but not smoking. I recommend medium-high heat for a good sear. This way, the scallops get a nice crust without overcooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you add too many scallops at once, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. This small step makes a big difference in taste and texture. You can elevate your scallops with a few extra ingredients. Consider adding garlic for a rich taste. A splash of white wine also brings depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a bright note too. For serving, pair your scallops with simple sides. A bed of creamy risotto or sautéed greens complements their flavor well. A light salad on the side can balance the richness too. Presentation is key for an impressive meal. Use a white plate to make the golden scallops stand out. Drizzle the citrus sauce artistically around the scallops for flair. Garnishing adds visual appeal. Use fresh cilantro leaves for color. Microgreens can also give a nice touch. A slice of lemon or lime on the side brightens the dish and invites your guests to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make these scallops shine! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of Gordon Ramsay's pan-seared scallops in fun ways. - Adding different citrus fruits: Try orange or grapefruit zest for a sweet twist. - Incorporating spices for an Asian twist: Use ginger, garlic, or sesame oil for depth. These simple changes can take your scallops from classic to exciting. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking more enjoyable. The way you serve scallops can change the whole meal. - Pairing with side dishes: Serve with buttery rice or sautéed vegetables for balance. - Serving styles: They work well as hot appetizers or beautiful main courses. This flexibility makes scallops great for any occasion. You can impress guests or enjoy a cozy dinner. You can easily make this dish fit different diets. - Making it gluten-free or dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Vegan alternative options: Try using large mushrooms instead of scallops for a plant-based meal. These options ensure everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. You can still savor the flavors while meeting dietary needs. To keep scallops fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can put them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have leftover scallops, place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. This keeps them from getting soggy. For best taste, eat them as soon as possible. To reheat scallops safely, use a pan over low heat. This warms them gently and keeps their texture. You can add a little olive oil or butter to help retain flavor. Avoid high heat, as this can make them rubbery. Stir often and check them closely. Yes, you can freeze cooked scallops. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. For best taste, use them within three months. Remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating for best results. You can then follow the reheating instructions to enjoy your scallops again. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. The best way to cook scallops is by pan-searing them. This method gives a nice golden crust. Use a hot pan with oil to avoid sticking. Always pat the scallops dry before cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear. Scallops need about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook them until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked scallops can become rubbery and tough. You can prepare the scallops ahead of time, but not for long. Cooked scallops taste best when fresh. You can prep the sauce ahead. Just store it separately until you’re ready to serve. Pan-seared scallops pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice, pasta, or fresh vegetables. A light salad can also be a great choice. Citrus flavors in the dish will pop with these sides. Scallops stick to the pan if the pan is not hot enough. Make sure your oil is shimmering before adding scallops. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature. You can find the full recipe [here]. Enjoy making these delicious scallops! This blog post covered everything you need to know about cooking sea scallops. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. You learned how to make a citrus sauce and discover helpful tips for searing and presentation. I also shared variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. With this knowledge, you'll impress any guest with your cooking. Enjoy your culinary journey!](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7f042782-51a8-475e-a0a4-fb59da1fb062-300x300.webp)
Gordon Ramsay's Pan-Seared Scallops
Delight your taste buds with these mouthwatering Sizzling Citrus Scallops! This easy recipe features perfectly seared scallops drizzled with a zesty citrus sauce that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these scallops will shine on your table.