Seared Scallops with Asparagus

Name: Seared Scallops with Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh sea scallops; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I absolutely love preparing Seared Scallops with Asparagus for a quick yet elegant dinner. The sweetness of the scallops paired with the crisp-tender asparagus creates such a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. Trust me, the simplicity of this recipe belies its impressive presentation and taste, and the delightful aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:26:27.731Z

When I first made Seared Scallops with Asparagus, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so luxurious. The key is to ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the scallops; this will give them that beautiful caramelized crust. I also learned that seasoning them just right before cooking adds depth to their flavor without overpowering their natural sweetness.

One of my favorite tips is to blanch the asparagus beforehand. This not only brightens up the green but also speeds up the cooking process, ensuring that the asparagus stays vibrant and tender-crisp. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step to elevate your dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly seared and caramelized scallops that are succulent and tender
Crisp-tender asparagus that adds a beautiful green color
Quick and impressive recipe ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners

Understanding Scallops

Choosing the right scallops is crucial for this dish. Fresh sea scallops are ideal due to their sweet flavor and tender texture. When shopping, look for scallops that are slightly moist and have a creamy white color. Avoid any that appear dry or have a fishy smell. If fresh scallops aren't available, you may substitute with frozen scallops, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps achieve that coveted golden sear.

Properly searing scallops can be tricky, as they tend to release moisture. To get a great sear, it’s vital to start with a hot skillet and not overcrowd the pan; this creates steam rather than a beautiful crust. Aim for a medium-high heat setting and place scallops in the skillet without moving them for 2-3 minutes. Look for a rich golden-brown crust and only then flip them gently with tongs.

Mastering Asparagus Preparation

When preparing asparagus, the blanching method not only enhances the vibrant green color but also preserves its crisp-tender texture. After blanching for 2 minutes, an ice bath is critical to halt the cooking process, ensuring your asparagus remains bright and crunchy. This technique can be used for other vegetables as well, so it's a handy skill to master in your culinary repertoire.

In this recipe, asparagus plays a vital role by providing a contrast to the scallops' sweetness. As the asparagus is finished in the skillet with garlic and lemon, it adopts a lovely sheen and infuses with savory notes which pair beautifully with the scallops. Look for thin stalks for best results, but if you have thicker ones, simply cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

For the best presentation, plate the scallops and asparagus artfully. Consider arranging the asparagus as a fan with scallops placed on top or beside for an appealing visual effect. Drizzling a little extra lemon juice or a balsamic reduction can enhance both flavor and aesthetics. Fresh parsley as a garnish adds not just flavor but also a beautiful green hue that complements the dish.

This recipe also lends itself to variations, such as adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or swapping lemon juice for lime for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the dish over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a light quinoa salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 pound fresh sea scallops
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are prepped before starting your cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious dish:

Prepare the Asparagus

Blanch the trimmed asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Sear the Scallops

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Add Garlic and Asparagus

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, then add the blanched asparagus and lemon juice. Toss everything together.

Serve

Transfer the scallops and asparagus to a plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your beautifully presented dish!

Pro Tips

Make sure your scallops are dry before searing to achieve a perfect crust. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste before serving.

Tips for Scaling

This recipe is easily scalable. If you plan to serve a larger group, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly. Keep in mind, when increasing the quantity of scallops, you still need to ensure they aren’t overcrowded in the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary, to maintain that perfect sear. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the pan temperature drops with additional food.

When hosting a dinner party, consider preparing the asparagus ahead of time. You can blanch and shock them earlier in the day. Simply reheat briefly in the skillet with garlic when you’re ready to serve, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience right before mealtime.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the scallops and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the scallops from becoming rubbery, reheat them gently in a preheated skillet over low heat, just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can alter the texture negatively.

For meal prep, consider making just the blanched asparagus ahead of time. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it easy to whip up the scallops fresh on a busy night. This keeps the meal fresh and delicious, for a perfect dinner in no time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common pitfall in cooking scallops is overcooking. It’s essential to remove them from heat once they are opaque and have a light golden crust. If you find yourself with rubbery scallops, it's a sign they were likely cooked too long. Aim for a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes per side for optimal tenderness.

If the asparagus is overcooked during the blanching process, it may lose its vibrant color and crunchy texture. Always monitor the time closely, and if in doubt, taste a piece right after draining. Proper timing and quick temperature changes are the keys to preserving both flavor and nutrition in your vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry for the best results.

→ What can I substitute for asparagus?

You can use green beans or broccoli as delicious alternatives.

→ How do I know when my scallops are done cooking?

Scallops are perfectly cooked when they are opaque and firm to the touch, typically taking about 3 minutes per side.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the asparagus and have the scallops ready to sear right before serving.