These decadent seared sea scallops with wine sauce are rich, buttery, and luxurious. This tutorial will walk you through how to prepare this classic shellfish dish.

Seared Sea Scallops with wine sauce in a serving dish.

If you're looking for a decadently delicious seafood meal for a fancy-pants dinner, you might think: "Lobster. I love lobster."

And so do I.

BUT — there's another shellfish that you should try: sea scallops. Sea scallops give lobster a fight for the Fabulous Seafood Award.

I just made that award up, but let's pretend it's real.

These seared scallops with wine sauce are rich, delicious, and fast. That makes them the perfect date-night meal.

They're also perfect if you want to treat yourself to an easy, fancy-schmancy meal. You know, the kind where you get to eat everything yourself instead of sharing.

Looking for more sea scallop recipes? Try these grilled scallops with bourbon sauce, pumpkin scallop gratin, pumpkin scallop alfredo, and scallop fra diavolo.

Are Sea Scallops + Bay Scallops The Same Thing?

Sea scallops are much larger than bay scallops.

Generally, sea scallops are about an inch to two inches in diameter, while bay scallops are a little larger than a pencil eraser.

Sea scallops will cost more than bay scallops, but they're also a much higher-end, more richly flavored shellfish.

Can I Use Bay Scallops Instead?

You could, but they'll be a lot harder to sear. They'll also be lot less decadent and luxurious.

If you swap sea scallops for bay scallops, make this for a weeknight dinner.

Are Cheap Sea Scallops Too Good to be True?

Maybe.

Probably.

Check the label, and make sure there are no chemical additives.

Generally, cheaper sea scallops will have plumping agents added, and those will keep the scallops from searing properly. Look for scallops without additives.

I like the frozen, all natural sea scallops at Trader Joe's.

Looking for more high-end shellfish ideas? Try crab Louie salad, Dungeness crab egg Benedict, king crab salad with avocado dressing, and crab fries.

How to Thaw Before Making Seared Scallops

Option one is to thaw the scallops overnight in the refrigerator. Remove scallops from the packaging and thaw in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight.

The other option is a quick thaw. Place the scallops in an open plastic bag and immerse the bag in cold water. Take care not to get water inside the bag.

Avoid placing scallops directly into water, because you could introduce water into the scallop, and then they won't sear properly.

Making Seared Scallops with Wine Sauce

Once you've got your hands on some scallops, it's time to cook!

Melt butter in a heavy pan. Currently, my favorite pan is this Lodge 12" carbon steel skillet.

Place the scallops in the melted butter. Make sure not to crowd the scallops, because they need room to brown.

Seafood in a cast iron pan. — Sear Sea Scallops

Set a timer for one and a half minutes, and then begin flipping the scallops.

Another option is to watch for the scallops to brown and then flip them.

browned sea scallops in a cast iron pan. — Flip, and Sear Again

After another minute or two, remove the scallops from the pan.

Add wine, butter, and lemon juice to the pan, and stir in a few herbs.

Serve the scallops and sauce right away, along with French lentil salad, ratatouille, and a glass of crisp pinot grigio.

And then, dig in, enjoy, and don't even try to contain your intense food happiness.

Want more DATE NIGHT SEAFOOD ideas? Try these: Salmon Wellington, Spiced Fish: Cod with Sweet Potato Mash, Bourbon Salmon with Pecans

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5 from 6 votes