If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe is your next must-try. It perfectly balances tender sea scallops with a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s rich, yet brightened with a hint of lemon. Paired atop a bed of comforting rice, this recipe creates a dish that is indulgent but straightforward, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for friends. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe is a total keeper in my kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and accessible, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture in this Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe. From the tender scallops to the fresh parsley garnish, everything comes together beautifully.
- 1 pound sea scallops: The star of the dish, fresh scallops bring a naturally sweet and delicate flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the scallops, it adds a subtle fruity richness without overpowering.
- 1 cup cooked rice: A neutral base that soaks up the sauce, adding comfort and heartiness.
- 1/4 cup butter: Essential for the creamy garlic sauce, giving it that silky texture and indulgence.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with vibrant, aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the bowl.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Scallops
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your scallops generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful crust. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown sear. This technique locks in juiciness and adds a satisfying texture contrast that’s truly crave-worthy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While your scallops cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it gently cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—that’s where the magic happens. Stir in the fresh lemon juice along with some salt and pepper, whisking until the sauce is smooth and luscious. This garlic butter sauce will be the silky, flavorful thread tying the whole dish together.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your warm, cooked rice into serving bowls. Arrange the scallops on top and generously drizzle with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. This final step makes each bowl look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of lemon zest can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. These fresh elements contrast beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter sauce, making every bite feel balanced and vibrant.
Side Dishes
While this bowl stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus creates a well-rounded meal. Light veggies add crunch and freshness that complement the scallops and sauce without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the cream garlic butter scallops over cauliflower rice or even a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Using bright bowls or placing a lemon wedge on the side adds a lovely visual appeal and invites diners to customize their citrus kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the scallops and sauce separately from the rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the rice from soaking up too much sauce and maintains the best texture for each component.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because scallops tend to change texture when thawed and reheated. If you want to prep in advance, it’s better to freeze the cooked rice separately and cook the scallops fresh.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat the scallops quickly in a hot skillet just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Add the garlic butter sauce warm on top right before serving to retain its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best sear and to prevent excess moisture from steaming the scallops.
What type of rice works best for this dish?
While any cooked rice will do, medium-grain white rice or jasmine rice provides a nice, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
You can try using ghee or a high-quality margarine, but keep in mind buttery flavor is key to this recipe’s richness and mouthfeel.
How do I know when scallops are cooked perfectly?
They should be golden brown on the outside while still tender and slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking will make them tough, so aim for 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.
Is this dish spicy or mild?
This Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe is definitely mild and rich with garlic and butter flavors, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about a meal that feels both luxurious and uncomplicated, and that’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe brings to your table. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a comforting yet elegant dinner. Give it a try—you may just find it becoming your new favorite go-to recipe.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Butter Scallop Bowl featuring tender seared sea scallops served over fluffy cooked rice, topped with a luscious garlic butter lemon sauce and fresh parsley garnish. This quick and easy dish combines buttery, garlicky goodness with a hint of citrus, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1 cup cooked rice
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sear the scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through but still tender.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, cooking the mixture gently until the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Place the seared scallops on top of the rice. Drizzle the creamy garlic butter sauce over the scallops and rice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the scallops to maintain their tender texture.
- You can substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice if you prefer a low-carb option.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning in the sauce according to your taste preference.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with chives or basil for a different herb flavor.
