MediterraneanMedium · Hot
Plump sea scallops seared to a golden crust, finished with a garlicky butter, a scattering of fresh parsley, and a clean squeeze of lemon. Simple, precise, coastal.
15 min
10 min
25 min
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 2
Calories
273
per serving
Protein
23g
Carbs
8g
Fat
17g
Sat. fat
8g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
1g
Sodium
929mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
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Cross Contamination
Scallops are mollusks; avoid cross-contact with other shellfish species including shrimp, crab, lobster, or cephalopods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils.
Storage
Fresh scallops must be refrigerated at 40°F or below and used within 2 days of purchase. Store in coldest part of refrigerator away from ready-to-eat foods.
Handling
{"classification":"handling","text":{"text":"Pat scallops thoroughly dry before searing to ensure proper browning and reduce splatter risk from moisture. Moisture on scallop surface causes steaming instead of searing. Ensure this step is completed before heating the pan."}}
High Risk Population
Mollusk allergies can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis. Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid this dish entirely and be cautious of cross-contamination in shared cooking environments.
Allergen Warning
Butter contains milk proteins. Individuals with milk or dairy allergies must be substituted with a dairy-free alternative. Clarified butter/ghee may be suitable for some milk-allergic individuals as it contains minimal lactose and casein.
Equipment Safety
Hot butter foam presents burn risk; tilt pan away from body when basting and use long-handled tongs. Butter can ignite if overheated; maintain control of cooking temperature.
Pro Tips
Technique
Pau insists on patience with the sear — let the pan reach its true heat before the first touch. A reluctant pan means a grey scallop, and a grey scallop is a story half-told.
Substitution
If fresh lemon isn't available, a light splash of white wine during the final seconds of cooking can lift the richness of the butter without overwhelming the briny sweetness of the scallops.
From the chef
From the morning boats to the market stalls, there's a moment when the sea still speaks through the ingredient — before it cools, before it dulls. These scallops deserve that same respect: a hot pan, a quick sear, and a butter that carries garlic and lemon like a Mediterranean whisper. No stew, no waiting. Just the ocean, listening.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026