Cast Iron Scallops

Looking for an elegant yet easy and flavorful seafood dinner? This Cast Iron Scallops recipe is a great option for dinner parties and family dinners alike.

We're on a mission to help more home cooks feel confident cooking scallops at home!

While scallops are often served at high end restaurants and considered special occasion dishes, they are actually quite easy to cook at home. And there are many different methods that work for cooking scallops.

You can grill them, like these bacon-wrapped scallops, and even air fry them, like these Air Fryer Scallops.

Cooking scallops in a cast iron is one of my favorite ways to cook scallops. It's super easy and fast. And, you can get a beautiful sear on them, creating a rich layer of flavor.

Whether you're cooking for a small dinner party or a quiet date night dinner at home, this recipe will teach you how easy it is to cook scallops.

🌟 Why this recipe works

This recipe works wonderfully for both family dinners and sophisticated gatherings.

• Fast - Using the cast iron, you can get perfect scallops in just about 5 minutes. They cook so quickly!
• Easy - Even beginning cooks can sear scallops in a cast iron skillet. I've got step-by-step photos below to help you out.
• Flavorful - Pan-seared scallops have a lovely layer of flavor The scallops are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic, allowing their natural flavors to shine. A splash of lemon juice at the end adds a zesty brightness that balances the dish perfectly.

🛒 Ingredient notes

You only need a few simple ingredients for searing scallops in a cast iron.

• Scallops - There are different types of scallops that could work for this recipe. The most common types you'll find in grocery stores are bay scallops and sea scallops. Opt for sea scallops, which are larger, if you have the option.
• Olive oil - Extra virgin olive oil is used to create that beautiful sear on the sides of the scallops and top of the scallops. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
• Butter, lemon juice, garlic - Butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic create a bright and flavorful lemon butter sauce.
• Parsley - Chopped fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness and fresh herbaceousness. Feel free to add other light fresh herbs, such as dill.
• Salt and pepper - A little kosher salt and ground black pepper is all the seasoning you need for these scallops.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

You'll find a full list of ingredients with measurements, along with detailed instructions, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here are some step-by-step photos with quick instructions to show you how easy it is to make this scallop recipe.

1. Dry scallops between a layer of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season scallops with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Add olive oil to a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Sear scallops on one side for 2-3 minutes, undisturbed, until the bottom layer gets a golden brown crust.
5. Once a golden brown crust forms flip it over and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until a golden brown crust forms on the other side.
6. Remove scallops and transfer to a plate.

7. Add butter to the pan and allow to melt. Lower heat to medium-low.
8. Add the garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
9. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
10. Return the scallops to the skillet and cook with the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes, using a spoon to spoon the sauce over the scallops.

Serve immediately.

🍷 🥂 Wine pairings

Scallops pair beautifully with a variety of white wines. Try pairing this recipe with either a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling wine.

A lightly oaked Chardonnay's hints of vanilla and citrus mirror the buttery, lemony notes of the dish.

For those who prefer a crisper wine, Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic choice. Its bright acidity and herbal notes cut through the richness of the scallops, providing a refreshing balance.

If you're celebrating or just in the mood for something special, Champagne or other sparkling wine is the way to go. Its effervescence and subtle toasty flavors elevate the elegance of the scallops, making every bite and sip feel like a celebration.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:

• Cast iron skillet - You'll need a medium or large cast iron skillet.
• Tongs - Kitchen tongs make it easy to flip scallops over as they are searing.