Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (2024)

By Marjory Pilley Published · Updated

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe

Seared scallops with spinach wilted in olive oil and garlic is an easy, healthy recipe that's ready in 20 minutes using one pan!

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (1)

Here's a little tip from one seafood lover to another: whenever you spot scallops on sale, stock up! They're high in protein, low in calories, and cook VERY quickly. You'll always be a half-hour away from dinners like this or broiled scallops if you keep a bag of frozen scallops in the freezer.

This strategy is why I can have sweet, juicy scallops on a bed of baby spinach on a special occasion. It's the low-carb companion to delicious scallops fettuccine, which uses the same simple pan-sear technique. Both are perfect for elegant, no-fuss dinners.

By the way, the same rationale works for keeping a bag of shrimp in the freezer. Plus, you can usually swap out these seafood superstars. Cauliflower grits and shrimp and this rock shrimp recipe with lemon butter sauce are fantastic with scallops, too.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Directions with Pictures
  • Top Tips for the Perfect Sear
  • FAQ
  • Storage and Reheating
  • What to Serve with Scallops and Spinach
  • More Scallop Recipes
  • 📋 Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Here's what you'll need to make delicious seared scallops and spinach:

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (2)
  • Sea scallops - Larger scallops like sea or Patagonian scallops are best because the surface area is larger. Save the smaller bay scallops for dishes likescallops and asparagus pasta salad. For a nice sear, purchase dry scallops over wet.
  • Baby spinach - Remove any hard stems.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

If you're a spinach lover like me, check out this salmon and spinach recipe in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to wilt spinach and make this pan-seared sea scallops recipe all in the same pan:

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (3)

Pat sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. They should be a bit sticky to the touch. Season with salt and pepper.

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (4)

Heat a little butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the scallops in the hot pan and cook untouched for about 2-3 minutes. Peek at one and turn them all over when the bottoms develop a nice sear.

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (5)

Cook scallops for 3-4 minutes more or until a golden brown crust develops and the centers are opaque. Don't overcook them, or they will be rubbery and chewy. Remove scallops to a plate and keep warm.

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (6)

Swirl a little bit of olive oil in the pan over medium heat. There's no need to clean it first! Add garlic and cook for one minute before adding spinach. Turn spinach to wilt it.

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (7)

Serve scallops on a bed of spinach with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I like to sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese over the top too!

Top Tips for the Perfect Sear

Follow these tips to achieve a perfect buttery, caramelized outside crust on each scallop:

  • Make sure the scallops are dry!
  • Don't place scallops into the skillet until it's nice and hot.
  • Add enough butter to the pan to form a thin layer, but not so much that the scallops are swimming and don't have a chance to sear.
  • Cook scallops in batches if necessary so that they are not crowded and you can quickly turn each one over when done.
  • Practice makes perfect!!!

FAQ

What's the difference between "wet" and "dry" scallops?

Wet scallops are treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). They are safe to consume but the scallops will soak up extra liquid. On the other hand, dry scallops don't have any extra water weight. Dry scallops will sear better.

Can you sear scallops in a non-stick pan?

Yes indeed. We used a large non-stick skillet. If you have a wrought iron pan or aluminum pan, it will work, too, of course.

Storage and Reheating

Reheating scallops can be tricky because they will become rubbery if overcooked. The key is to cook them at a low temperature. We recommend using the stovetop. But if you happen to use the microwave, use short 30-second bursts until heated through.

Storeleftover scallops and spinach in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a little olive oil or butter to a pan. Add the scallops to the pan and heat over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. Covering the pan with a lid will speed up the process.

What to Serve with Scallops and Spinach

When scallops are on the menu, you need a plan to make a robust meal to enjoy just the right amount of perfectly cooked scallops. The standard portion for scallops is about 4-5 larger-sized scallops or about 5 ounces.

You are almost to a full meal because the scallops are served with lots of fresh spinach. Toss cherry tomatoes into the spinach for a vibrant contrast in color and pine nuts for a bit of crunch. Finally, add a side of roasted cauliflower rice, vegetable rice pilaf, or cheesy mushroom quinoa to round out a very satisfying and delicious meal.

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (8)

More Scallop Recipes

  • Easy Scallops Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
  • Perfect Broiled Scallops with a Parmesan Crust
  • Warm Orzo Salad with Scallops, Artichokes and Feta

Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

📋 Recipe

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (12)

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe

Seared scallops and spinach wilted in olive oil and garlic is an easy, healthy recipe that's ready in 20 minutes using one pan!

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces sea scallops or other large scallops
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 6 ounces baby spinach washed and dried, hard stems removed
  • Juice from fresh lemon

Instructions

  • Pat sea scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. They should be a bit sticky to touch. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the scallops in the hot pan and cook untouched for 2-3 minutes. Peak at one and then turn them all over when the bottoms start to brown.

    Note: Work in batches if using a smaller pan or more scallops.

  • Cook scallops for 3-4 minutes more or until a golden brown crust develops and the centers are opaque. Don't overcook them, or they will be rubbery and chewy.

  • Remove scallops to a plate and keep warm.

  • Swirl olive oil in the pan over medium heat. There's no need to clean it first! Add garlic and cook for one minute before adding spinach. Turn spinach in the pan for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. Season with salt to taste.

  • Serve scallops over spinach. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.

Notes

See step-by-step pictures, an ingredient collage, serving ideas, and more above.

Top tips for perfectly seared scallops:

  • Make sure the scallops are dry!
  • Don't place scallops into the skillet until it's nice and hot.
  • Add enough butter to the pan to form a thin layer, but not so much that the scallops are swimming and don't have a chance to sear.
  • Cook scallops in batches if necessary so that they are not crowded and you can quickly turn each one over when done.
  • Practice makes perfect!!!

Storage and reheating:

Reheating scallops can be tricky because they will become rubbery if overcooked. The key is to cook them at a low temperature. We recommend using the stovetop. But if you happen to use the microwave, use short 30 second bursts until heated through.

Storeleftover scallops and spinach in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a little olive oil or butter to a pan. Add the scallops to the pan and heat over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. Covering the pan with a lid will speed up the process.

Adapted from SkinnyTaste

Grab 5 Low-Carb Saucesand get more easy, healthy recipes! JOIN HERE

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 527mg | Vitamin A: 4050IU | Vitamin C: 12.5mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1.7mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally published on March 13, 2014, and has been updated to improve the reader experience.

More Seafood Recipes

  • Easy Salmon Florentine Recipe
  • Creamy Crab Corn Soup Recipe
  • Lobster Ravioli Sauce Recipe (Creamy Pink Pasta Sauce)
  • Easy Crab Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Becki

    Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (17)
    Enjoyed this dinner - it was quick to prepare. Use some dill weed for extra seasoning on the scallops and spinach. Added extra lemon juice to the browned butter left in the pan after wilting the spinach and put that sauce over the scallops. Served with air fried carrots and onions along with a caprese salad.

    Reply

    • Marjory Pilley

      Sounds delicious! Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

  2. Ben

    Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (18)
    Easy and yummy

    Reply

    • Marjory Pilley

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  3. Robin Gagnon

    Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (19)
    Pan seared scallops are an absolute favorite of mine. I ate so many last time they were on sale 😀

    Reply

  4. Christine

    Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (20)
    Scallops are my FAVORITE and I always order them if I go to a fancy restaurant. I love how you've outlined how to cook them perfectly at home - Great recipe!

    Reply

  5. Shaina

    There is nothing I love more than a plate of good, plump scallops! These look absolutely gorgeous. I want to eat it off the screen!

    Reply

    • Marjory

      Thank you. I wish I had some to enjoy right about now!

      Reply

Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you use wilted spinach? ›

After wilting, you might squeeze the water from the wilted spinach, chop it, then salute in butter with shallots and garlic. Mixing well. I also add a bit of cream cheese to give the spinach a little creamy taste. There are many ways but I like to wash it, and drain it.

Should you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

Scallops, like many other types of seafood, can have a mild fishy odor that some people find off-putting. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent.

Should I salt scallops before searing? ›

Season Them Before You Cook Them: You should sprinkle your salt and pepper onto your scallops before cooking, not during or after. Use High Heat: The best pan seared scallops are cooked under high heat. Make sure your pan is fully heated and then pour in the oil.

What is the best cooking method for scallops? ›

extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot and shimmering. Use tongs to gently place the scallops in the pan, leaving plenty of room around each scallop. Cook scallops, undisturbed (repeat: do not move them), until they are deeply golden-brown on the first side, 3–4 minutes.

What happens if you cook wilted spinach? ›

Is it OK to cook wilted spinach? You can absolutely cook wilted spinach. It's past its prime for eating raw, but will not negatively impact a cooked dish.

How do you crisp wilted spinach? ›

Soak wilted carrots, green beans, kale, lettuce, spinach, chives, and other greens in a cold-water bath for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to restore them. Use within 24 hours. For vegetables with a stem, such as asparagus, broccoli, celery, parsley, basil, mint, and Swiss chard, treat like roses!

What happens if you don't rinse scallops before cooking? ›

A: You should always rinse scallops thoroughly to remove grit, but there shouldn't be so much grit that you have to soak them. In fact, soaking isn't recommended because the scallops can absorb water and get soggy, less flavorful and difficult to sear properly.

How long do you let scallops soak in milk? ›

Select a bowl or dish that is large enough to hold all of the scallops and deep enough that they can all be covered with milk. After rinsing, place the scallops in the bowl or dish and pour enough milk over them to cover completely. Cover the bowl, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow them to soak for one hour.

Should you cook scallops in butter or oil? ›

Let that butter brown a bit. Then the scallops go in. Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioXidant. while I recommend cooking them in butter for the best Sear,you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if prefeerd.

Should scallops be at room temp before searing? ›

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture. 2. Sprinkle scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

Is it better to sear scallops in butter or olive oil? ›

Although not necessary but preferred, let your scallops rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Don't use olive oil to sear your scallops! I recommend butter as the best option, but you can also use vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. The cooking times above are for sea scallops, not diver or bay scallops.

How many scallops per person for dinner? ›

If you're serving scallops as a main course with sides, plan on around 6 ounces per person. That would be 4-6 large (U10) sea scallops and 8-10 medium sized. Appetizer portions would be half of that. Sea scallops, or diver scallops, are the large variety while bay scallops are the smallest.

Do you cook scallops on high or low heat? ›

After searing a few batches, we determined that scallops are perfectly cooked when their centers reach 115 degrees. Because scallops are so small and are usually cooked over high heat, carryover cooking will add another 10 to 15 degrees, for an ideal final temperature of 125 to 130 degrees.

Can you cook and eat wilted spinach? ›

Is it OK to cook wilted spinach? You can absolutely cook wilted spinach. It's past its prime for eating raw, but will not negatively impact a cooked dish.

Can you revive wilted spinach? ›

A few years ago we found that soft leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula can be revived by simply soaking them in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes.

Is wilted spinach still good for you? ›

There are a few important benefits that it offers that regular spinach doesn't. For example, vitamin A and E become much more plentiful when you make wilted spinach. Vitamin E is vital to ensuring proper vision while maintaining blood health and reproductive health.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 5857

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.