Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

6 servings
These Maple Glazed Seared Scallops are an elegant but easy dinner option!  After making these you will never be afraid to make scallops again!

Ingredients

  • 6 Tablespoons butter

    divided

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

    ground

  • 2 pounds scallops

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small saucepan combine 3 tablespoons butter, maple syrup, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a slow simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. 2

    Dry scallops with a paper towel (do not skip this step=the drier your scallops are, the better the sear).

  3. 3

    In a cast iron skillet, melt 3 Tablespoons of butter and 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Once cast iron skillet is hot, place ¼ of the scallops into the pain. Sear scallops 2 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate. Repeat with the following 3 batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, depending on the size of your cast iron skillet you may need to do an additional batch. 

  4. 4

    After all scallops have been removed to the plate, turn off of the heat and move the skillet off of the burner. Pour maple glaze into the cast iron skillet. Quickly place the scallops back in the pan and baste in the glaze. Serve immediately.

Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

Maple Glazed Seared Scallops

20 min6 servings

Similar Recipes

Maple Glazed Salmon

Maple Glazed Salmon

This maple glazed salmon is an incredibly easy sheet pan dinner and hands down the best way to cook tasty fresh salmon fillets. With mustard, soy sauce, garlic, and maple syrup, you have a delicious recipe that goes great with any sides!

20 minutes4 servings308 kcal
Baked Scallops

Baked Scallops

Baked scallops in a buttery sauce, topped with bread crumbs and seasoned with garlic, paprika, parsley and Parmesan make a terrific seafood main dish.

50 minutes363 kcal
Seared Scallops With Tomato Salad

Seared Scallops With Tomato Salad

A perfectly seared scallop needs little more to taste complete. A squeeze of lemon is sufficient, but if you want a stellar partner to balance the sweet saline bite of caramelized sea scallops, make this tomato salad of tomato salads dressed with an acidic, savory vinaigrette inspired by mignonette, the classic accompaniment to raw oysters. It’s dotted with minced shallot to carry tomatoes and earthy spring mix — and scallops, of course — to umami heights.

30 minutes2 servings122 kcal
Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini

This chicken scallopini recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Family-friendly and easy, there's a reason our Test Kitchen calls it "Old Faithful."

30 minutes4 servings
Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon

Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon

Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon - just 4 ingredients turn this salmon into a total super star. A healthy and delicious salmon, glazed with maple syrup and grainy mustard.

20 minutes
Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Today I'll show you how to make bacon wrapped scallops on the grill — or in the oven — for a simple and delicious appetizer or meal! This recipe was inspired by Morton's Steakhouse, where we recently enjoyed dinner with some of our YouTube friends.This can be served as an appetizer in smaller portions, or as a main course. The key to elevating this bacon wrapped scallops recipe is by making a delicious horseradish & apricot jam sauce, then topping the scallops with a sherry wine pan jus.

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon, in a restaurant-quality sticky, sweet glaze, is on the table in less than 15 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.

15 minutes4 servings864 kcal
Scallop Recipe with Cream Sauce

Scallop Recipe with Cream Sauce

This seared scallop recipe has a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce and is perfect over a bed of pasta. Make it for dinner tonight in under 30 minutes!

25 minutes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Dreaming of restaurant-quality scallops but intimidated by cooking them at home? This Maple Glazed Seared Scallops recipe makes an elegant dinner incredibly easy, promising to banish any fear of searing these delicate gems. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you'll be enjoying a gourmet meal that tastes like it came straight from a five-star kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the exquisite balance of flavors. A touch of sweet maple syrup beautifully complements the inherent sweetness of fresh scallops, while a hint of bright lime juice and a whisper of cayenne pepper cut through the richness. This creates a perfectly balanced glaze that clings to each expertly seared scallop, elevating their natural flavor rather than overpowering it.

Prepare for a truly luxurious experience. Each bite delivers perfectly seared scallops with a beautiful golden crust, giving way to a tender, succulent interior. The maple glaze forms a glossy, enticing coating, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a subtle warmth from the cayenne. This dish feels sophisticated enough for a special occasion, yet is wonderfully approachable, proving that an elegant dinner can be surprisingly simple to prepare.

While divine as written, you can easily tailor this recipe. For a less spicy kick, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you don't have fresh lime on hand, a small splash of lemon juice could offer a similar brightness, though the distinct flavor of lime is truly special here.

These stunning scallops are ideal for an impressive weeknight meal or a memorable dinner party. Serve them alongside a light green salad or some simply prepared asparagus to let their flavors shine.

Frequently Asked Questions