1. Home
  2. Recipe Index
  3. Sizzling Scallops Lime Cilantro

Sizzling Scallops Lime Cilantro

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features dry-packed sea scallops seared to a golden crust with olive oil and butter, delivering a tender texture. A fresh lime cilantro sauce made from lime juice, zest, garlic, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and honey complements the scallops with bright, creamy, and herbal notes. Ideal for quick preparation, it pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or roasted veggies. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a fresh, elegant finish.

Pin This Recipe Share This Recipe Forward Recipe Print Recipe Details Go Directly to Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Authored By Elisa
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:09:18 GMT
A plate of food with sauce drizzled over it. Bookmark
A plate of food with sauce drizzled over it. | recipesbyelisa.com

Sizzling scallops with a creamy lime cilantro sauce come together quickly to create a flavorful and elegant dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this meal balances bright citrus notes with tender, golden seared scallops.

I first made this dish on a warm summer night, and it quickly became a favorite for its bright flavors and ease of cooking. It always feels like a little celebration on the plate.

Ingredients

  • One pound of dry-packed sea scallops: for the best searing results they should feel firm and dry to ensure a golden crust
  • Two tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter: for a rich flavorful sear
  • Salt and pepper: to season the scallops simply and enhance their natural sweetness
  • Two tablespoons of fresh lime juice and one teaspoon of lime zest: bring brightness and acidity to the sauce
  • Two minced garlic cloves: add savory depth to balance the citrus
  • One quarter cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream: creates a creamy texture and tang
  • One quarter cup of fresh chopped cilantro: for a burst of herbal freshness
  • One teaspoon of honey: to soften the tartness and add subtle sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pat Dry and Season:
Gently pat the scallops dry with paper towels until no moisture remains then season lightly with salt and pepper to ensure even cooking and a golden sear.
Prepare Lime Cilantro Sauce:
In a blender or food processor combine fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, honey, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and set aside to let flavors meld.
Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot and shimmering to prepare for searing.
Sear Scallops:
Add scallops to the skillet flat-side down and sear without moving for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through but still tender.
Plate and Serve:
Arrange the scallops on serving plates and spoon the creamy lime cilantro sauce generously over the top. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.
A plate of food with a spoon on it. Bookmark
A plate of food with a spoon on it. | recipesbyelisa.com

Cilantro is one of my favorite ingredients in this dish; its fresh herbal notes lift the creamy sauce and brighten the whole plate. Making this dish reminds me of warm evenings when fresh, simple ingredients make every meal feel special.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, warm gently on low heat or in a microwave for short bursts to avoid overcooking the scallops and drying out the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be swapped for sour cream if you prefer a milder tang. If fresh cilantro is unavailable, fresh parsley can be used but the flavor will be less vibrant. Lemon juice is a fine substitute for lime juice and will keep the sauce bright and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the scallops over jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce or alongside oven-roasted seasonal vegetables for a light and balanced meal. A crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the citrus and seafood flavors.

Cultural Context

Scallops have long been enjoyed in coastal cuisines around the world. This combination of fresh citrus and herbs echoes influences from Latin American and Southeast Asian cooking, where bright, herbaceous sauces are often paired with seafood.

A white plate with 4 scallops and a green sauce drizzled over them. Bookmark
A white plate with 4 scallops and a green sauce drizzled over them. | recipesbyelisa.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of scallops is best for searing?

Dry-packed scallops are ideal as they have less moisture, allowing for a better golden crust during searing. Avoid wet-packed scallops which release excess water.

→ Can I substitute lime juice in the sauce?

Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute and will still provide a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce.

→ How do I achieve a perfect sear on scallops?

Pat scallops dry thoroughly, heat oil and butter until shimmering, then sear scallops for about 2 minutes per side without overcrowding the pan.

→ Can I add spice to the lime cilantro sauce?

Yes, adding a small amount of jalapeño or red chili flakes to the sauce will give a gentle kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.

→ What sides pair well with this scallop dish?

Jasmine rice or oven-roasted vegetables complement the flavors nicely, balancing the creamy sauce and tender scallops.

Sizzling Scallops Lime Cilantro

Tender seared scallops with creamy lime cilantro sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
6 minutes
Total Time Required
16 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Servings Count: 4 Number of Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, Gluten-Free Choice

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Scallops and Searing

Ingredient 01 1 pound dry-packed sea scallops
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 03 1 tablespoon butter
Ingredient 04 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Lime Cilantro Sauce

Ingredient 05 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon lime zest
Ingredient 07 2 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 08 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Ingredient 09 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Ingredient 10 1 teaspoon honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Pat scallops dry thoroughly using paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Blend lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.

Step 03

Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.

Step 04

Place scallops flat-side down in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Arrange scallops on plates and spoon the lime cilantro sauce generously over them. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. Use dry-packed scallops for optimal searing results; avoid wet-packed scallops which release excess moisture.
  2. Lemon juice can substitute lime juice if unavailable.
  3. For a touch of heat, add jalapeño or red chili flakes to the sauce.
  4. Pairs well with jasmine rice or oven-roasted vegetables.
  5. Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently to maintain texture.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy if using Greek yogurt or sour cream

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 280
  • Fat Amount: 14.2 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 6.5 grams
  • Protein Amount: 28.7 grams