Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Name: Honey Garlic Butter Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup honey; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic (minced); juice of one small lemon; 1 pound large scallops; 2 tablespoons butter; green onions (for garnish)

Posted on September 25, 2025

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Honey Garlic Butter Scallops are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. The unique honey garlic butter sauce elevates the scallops to new heights, while the quick preparation time makes it an easy dish for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dinners.
Flavorful Sauce: The honey garlic butter sauce adds a deliciously rich flavor that pairs perfectly with scallops.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
Healthy Choice: Scallops are a lean protein option, and this recipe is low in calories yet high in taste.
Elegant Presentation: With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Honey Garlic Butter Scallops efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These kitchen essentials will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of scallops, which enhances their flavor.
Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the scallops evenly with the honey garlic butter sauce.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a well-mixed marinade.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the scallops without damaging them during cooking.

Ingredients

Honey Garlic Butter Scallops are pan seared and then coated in the most amazing honey garlic butter sauce. This meal is so quick and easy that you will make it again and again!

For the Marinade

½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic (minced)
juice of one small lemon

For the Scallops

1 Pound Large Scallops
2 Tablespoons butter
green onions (for garnish)

Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey garlic butter scallops, Scallops

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Marinate the Scallops

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
Add half of the marinade to the scallops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Remove the scallops from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
Place the scallops in the hot skillet without overcrowding them. Sear for about 3-3½ minutes on each side or until they become golden brown.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Garnish

Once both sides of the scallops are seared, add the reserved marinade to the skillet.
Cook until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, then return the scallops to coat them in this flavorful mixture.
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Butter Scallops!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Serving Honey Garlic Butter Scallops is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. The sweet and savory flavors of the scallops pair well with various dishes, making them versatile enough for any occasion.

Serve with Fresh Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the scallops.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil complement the sweet honey garlic sauce beautifully.

Pair with Rice or Grains

Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the sauce well, enhancing each bite of scallop.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs adds a nutritious twist to your plate.

Garnish Ideas

Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness that brightens the dish.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest intensifies the citrus notes in the scallops and enhances presentation.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

To achieve perfectly cooked Honey Garlic Butter Scallops, consider these helpful tips. Following these guidelines will ensure that your scallops are tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized.

Use Fresh Scallops: Fresh scallops provide a sweeter flavor and better texture than frozen ones.
Pat Dry Before Cooking: Ensuring scallops are dry prevents excess moisture, allowing for a perfect sear.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if necessary helps maintain high heat for even cooking and browning.
Monitor Cooking Time: Scallops cook quickly; adhere to 3-3½ minutes per side for optimal doneness without overcooking.
Rest Before Serving: Letting cooked scallops rest for a minute allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance the flavors of your Honey Garlic Butter Scallops. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic create a comforting base for your scallops.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is light and pairs well with the rich sauce.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of honey garlic.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory scallops.
Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables makes for a colorful and satisfying accompaniment.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges add sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Garlic Butter Scallops, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Bold Timing: Cooking scallops too long can make them tough. Sear for just 3-3½ minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bold Overcrowding: Placing too many scallops in the pan can lower the heat. Cook in batches if needed for even searing.
Bold Ignoring Marination: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland scallops. Allow at least 30 minutes to soak up flavors.
Bold Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can dull the taste. Always season your scallops before cooking.
Bold Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality honey or soy sauce affects flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Honey Garlic Butter Scallops in an airtight container.
They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Place cooked scallops in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Honey Garlic Butter Scallops

Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place scallops in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
Bold Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Bold Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a little butter and gently reheat scallops for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Honey Garlic Butter Scallops?

Honey Garlic Butter Scallops are tender scallops pan-seared and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, perfect for quick dinners.

How do I know when scallops are done?

Scallops are done when they are golden brown on both sides and have an opaque center. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery.

Can I customize my Honey Garlic Butter Scallops?

Absolutely! You can add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like parsley for freshness. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

How do I serve Honey Garlic Butter Scallops?

Serve these scallops over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Butter Scallops offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Experiment with different sides or garnishes to make it your own!