If you love scallops and easy dinners then this Seared Sea Scallops over Garlic Spinach recipe is for you! It takes less than 20 minutes and it's made all in one pan. Just sear the scallops in a little butter, cook the spinach with garlic til it wilts then set the scallops on top & you've got a gourmet dinner in minutes! Great as an appetizer too!
As you read this post we are on our way down to enjoy a much needed vacation in Key West. We love going down there to just relax, take in some diving and, of course, spend a little time on crazy but entertaining Duval Street. It's a really laid back atmosphere with plenty of margaritas (watch for our healthy Margarita Smoothie coming soon), Key Lime Pie and seafood, like these delicious seared sea scallops.
Seafood in Key West
Everyone thinks Key West is just casual bars and restaurants but they have become a mecca for gourmet restaurants and foods from all over the world. Of course, they have their unusual restaurants too like Blue Heaven, where you dine with the free range chickens, or B.O.s Fish Wagon, which looks like it will come down around your ears at any minute, but the upscale ones are quite remarkable and would be top choices for dining anywhere. Our favorites - Blackfin Bistro, Bagatelle, Salute! On The Beach and Roof Top Cafe.
So back to today's dinner. This is one quick and easy dinner that would be a gourmet specialty in any of the restaurants above. The sea scallops take just 3 minutes to sear and the spinach another 3 minutes and you've got an amazing dinner for the family on the table in less than 10 minutes!
Another plus about this seared sea scallops over spinach recipe is that it makes great appetizers for a party. Buy a dozen or so Chinese soup spoons and place one scallop on top of a little spinach on each one and you have a presentation that will WOW your guests. And the taste will just put it over the top. So grab a skillet and get cookin'! Bye for now from "Margaritaville"!
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
Pan Seared Scallops with Basil - Moist, tender sea scallops are stuffed with fresh basil then pan seared. Serve over pasta then drizzle with an easy lemon wine sauce.
Easy Crab Cakes - are simple to make and packed with plenty of crab, little filler and a whole lotta flavor. Just mix ingredients, lightly pan fry and dinner is on the table in under 20.
Grilled Cajun Shrimp & Quinoa Salad - these grilled shrimp are slightly spicy an can be served over this healthy quinoa salad or, make it simple and, opt for rice.
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SEARED SEA SCALLOPS OVER GARLIC SPINACH
Ingredients
Scallops
- 10 Sea Scallops
- Salt & pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Spinach
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, if needed
- ¼-1/3 cup onion chopped fine
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 10- oz fresh spinach washed
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Sea Scallops
- Scallops should be rinsed and dried with a paper towel. I like to blot mine between two sheets until I am sure they are as dry as they can get. If using frozen scallops, let thaw in refrigerator and then proceed to dry well with paper towels. Season scallops with salt & pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil & butter until it sizzles when a drop of water is added.
- Add scallops, giving each of them their own space. Cook 1-½-2 minutes on each side, turning only once, or until scallop is nicely browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
Spinach
- If there is only a little liquid left in the skillet add the additional 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add onion and garlic and saute for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add spinach, it will overflow pan but will quickly reduce in size, and toss lightly until spinach is wilted. Salt & pepper to taste.
- Place spinach on serving plate and top with scallops.
Wow! This is a stunning appetizer. Easy but, elegant. I can't wait to try it!
Thanks Audrey! It's quick & easy too but looks like a million bucks. Hope you get to try it soon.
I love the buttery scallops paired with the garlicky spinach! Perfect low carb dinner. Yum!
I love this combination of flavors too and perfect for light summer light and entertaining.
wow, I LOVE that chinese spoon presentation! We have a lot in our house so what a great idea 😀
Thanks Natalie! I saw it done in a buffet one time with shrimp and thought why not scallops. The individual portion makes them great for hors douevres for parties and they look pretty too.
I only make scallops once a year (expensive!) but need to add more "whole animal" to my dietary regimen. This recipe looks delicious and simple enough to make, I think I could definitely start adding it to my meal plan every other week. Thanks for sharing!
I know what you mean about the expense but every once in a while (maybe every other month) I love to have scallops (they're my favorite seafood). They're so simple to make too and are great for a quick & delicious dinner. Hope you get to try them soon.