Garlic Butter Scallops with Rice 🧄🦪🍚 Rich, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Golden-seared scallops paired with buttery garlic rice make for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture — simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive for guests.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the scallops

• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the rice

• 1½ cups long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Step 1: Cook the rice

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in rice, toasting lightly. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Prep the scallops

Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the scallops

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Return scallops to the pan briefly to coat.

Step 5: Serve

Plate scallops over a bed of garlic rice. Spoon extra sauce over the top and serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
• Stir grated Parmesan into the rice for extra richness
• Swap parsley for dill or basil for a different herbal profile
• Use coconut milk instead of broth for a tropical twist

Pro Tips

• Dry scallops very well for the best golden crust
• Use a wide pan to avoid overcrowding scallops — they need space to sear
• Let rice rest 5 minutes after cooking for fluffier grains
• Serve immediately so scallops stay tender and juicy

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Scallops with Rice are rich, comforting, and easy to love — a restaurant-quality dish made simple for home cooking. The buttery rice soaks up the lemon-garlic sauce, making every bite irresistible.

Sear it. Spoon it. Savor the comfort. 🧄🦪🍚

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
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• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.