Honey Lemon Seared Scallops

Name: Honey Lemon Seared Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Around World Recipes

I absolutely love making Honey Lemon Seared Scallops because they come together in no time and pack a punch of flavor. The combination of sweet honey and zesty lemon brightens the natural sweetness of the scallops. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors, making it an elegant dish for any occasion. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these scallops are sure to impress with their delectable taste and stunning presentation!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T11:57:29.042Z

When I first crafted this Honey Lemon Seared Scallops recipe, I wasn’t sure how the blend of the two flavors would hold up. After a few trials, I discovered that the honey not only caramelizes beautifully but also brings out the best in the naturally sweet scallops. A touch of lemon zest adds that perfect brightness and contrast, making every bite refreshing and exciting.

As I honed in on the cooking technique, I found that a hot skillet is essential for achieving that beautiful sear. It takes just a couple of minutes per side, but the result is a luscious crust that locks in the sweet, buttery flavor of the scallops. Trust me, this method is a game-changer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The irresistible sweetness of honey perfectly complements the scallops.
Zesty lemon adds a fresh brightness to each bite.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion.

The Importance of Properly Drying Scallops

Drying scallops before seasoning is crucial for achieving a perfect sear. Excess moisture can create steam when cooking, preventing the scallops from developing a beautiful golden crust. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. This step enhances the texture, allowing for that satisfying crunch when you bite into them.

If you ever find your scallops moist, consider air-drying them in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes before cooking. This not only helps to remove more moisture but also lets the scallops absorb some flavors from your seasoning, leading to a more flavorful dish.

Creating the Perfect Honey-Lemon Sauce

The honey-lemon sauce not only adds a stunning glossy finish to your scallops but also enhances their natural sweetness. It’s essential to pour the sauce over the scallops in the last minute of cooking. This timing allows the sugars in the honey to caramelize slightly, elevating the sauce's flavor profile and creating a beautiful glaze.

If you find the sauce too thick or sweet, consider balancing it with a splash of water or additional lemon juice to adjust the taste. Avoid adding the sauce too early as it may burn and lose its tangy brightness, which offsets the richness of the scallops.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Honey Lemon Seared Scallops pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Lightly sautéed asparagus or a fresh arugula salad can complement the scallops’ natural sweetness. You can also serve them over a bed of fluffy quinoa or creamy risotto, which will soak up any extra sauce, adding depth to your meal.

For a twist, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the honey-lemon mixture for a hint of heat. Alternatively, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup for an equally delightful sweetness or experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the scallops:

1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Enjoy your delicious Honey Lemon Seared Scallops!

Instructions

Prepare the scallops

Season the scallops with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Heat the skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sear the scallops

Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Add the sauce

Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the scallops in the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For the best sear, make sure the scallops are completely dry before cooking and avoid moving them around in the pan too much.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat. This method prevents the scallops from overcooking, which can lead to a rubbery texture.

Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause uneven cooking and ruin the delicate texture of the scallops. Instead, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice in the skillet while reheating to revive their flavor and moisture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your scallops are not browning as expected, check the heat of your skillet. A medium-high heat is ideal, but if your stovetop is not calibrated well, you may need to adjust accordingly. If they are sticking, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the scallops; a shimmering effect on the oil is a good indicator.

If you find your scallops tough, it may be due to overcooking. Cooking scallops for 2-3 minutes per side should yield a tender and juicy result. Remember, the internal temperature for perfectly cooked scallops should reach 125°F (52°C) for optimal taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

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

→ What can I serve with these scallops?

They pair wonderfully with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or over a bed of quinoa.

→ How do I know when scallops are done cooking?

Scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when cooked through, usually taking about 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I substitute honey with something else?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for a different sweetness.