Garlic Lemon Scallops with Broccoli

Name: Garlic Lemon Scallops with Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 1 pound scallops; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I absolutely love cooking seafood, and this Garlic Lemon Scallops with Broccoli dish has quickly become one of my favorites. The combination of tender scallops, bright lemon, and vibrant broccoli creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. In just 20 minutes, you can bring the taste of the sea to your kitchen. If I could cook one dish every week to impress my family, this would definitely be it!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:02:28.679Z

When I first made Garlic Lemon Scallops with Broccoli, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I discovered that the key to perfectly cooked scallops is ensuring they're patted dry before hitting the pan. This little trick allows for a beautiful sear which locks in the flavors. The sharp tang of the lemon complements the sweetness of the scallops beautifully.

As I plated the dish, I was thrilled to see the vibrant green of the broccoli add a visual appeal that no one could resist. Each bite bursts with a refreshing flavor that reminds me of coastal dining experiences. You simply have to try it for yourself!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of citrus and savory garlic flavors
Quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner
Tender scallops paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a healthy meal

Understanding Scallops

Scallops are prized for their delicate flavor and tender texture, which makes them a fantastic choice for a quick cooking method like sautéing. When choosing scallops, look for ones that are wet-packed versus dry-packed; dry scallops typically have a better flavor and texture. Ensure they are firm and slightly glossy. Avoid any that appear slimy or have off-putting odors, as these can indicate poor quality.

I recommend using sea scallops for this recipe, as they have a sweeter taste and larger size compared to bay scallops. If you're in a pinch, bay scallops will work too, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly; they typically require less time in the skillet due to their smaller size.

Perfecting the Sauté

Getting the scallops to that ideal golden brown hue relies on properly preheating your skillet. Use medium-high heat and allow the olive oil to shimmer before adding the scallops. This signal indicates your pan is hot enough to sear, creating that coveted crust while keeping the insides tender. If the scallops stick to the pan, they may not be ready to flip, so give them a little more time to develop that caramelization.

The garlic should be added just at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant flavor, as it can become bitter if burned. Stir it gently in the pan and allow it to cook for just one minute for that perfect aromatic infusion into the scallops and broccoli.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

For a delightful meal presentation, consider serving the scallops on a bed of broccoli, drizzled with the remaining garlic-lemon sauce. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Pair this dish with a side of wild rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices, enhancing the meal.

This dish is also highly customizable; you can add a splash of white wine when cooking the scallops for an extra layer of complexity. Or, if you’d like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. These adjustments allow you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences while keeping it quick and easy.

Ingredients

For the scallops

1 pound scallops
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

For the broccoli

2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Prepare the scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sauté the broccoli

In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.

Cook the scallops

In the same skillet, add olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Add garlic and lemon

Add minced garlic and lemon juice to the pan, cooking for an additional minute then return the broccoli to the skillet.

Serve

Toss everything together gently and serve hot with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Pro Tips

Make sure your scallops are dry before cooking for the best sear. You can also substitute the broccoli with asparagus or green beans for variety.

Make-Ahead and Storage

For meal prep, you can clean and season the scallops ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator but use them within a day to ensure their freshness. Broccoli can also be blanched in advance and quickly reheated before serving. Assemble everything just before mealtime to ensure optimal texture and flavor, as both scallops and broccoli taste best freshly cooked.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice while reheating can help refresh the flavors.

Dietary Variations

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Additionally, if you want to make it dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with more olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The standout flavors will still shine without compromising on taste or quality.

For a low-carb or keto variation, you can replace the broccoli with other green vegetables like asparagus or zucchini noodles. Both options will complement the scallops beautifully while keeping the dish light and health-conscious.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with cooking scallops is making them rubbery, which often results from overcooking. To avoid this, watch them closely as they cook; they should turn opaque and firm but still tender. Aim for a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size.

If your scallops are not browning properly, your pan may not be hot enough, or you may be overcrowding the skillet. Ensure adequate space between each scallop for them to sear rather than steam, which affects that desired golden color and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Just cook right before serving.

→ What if I can't find scallops?

You can substitute with shrimp or another firm fish, adjusting the cook time as necessary.

→ Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.