Cashew Free Lemon-Dill Seared Scallops
Perfectly seared scallops with a golden crust and a bright, herby pan sauce are the kind of restaurant-level dish that feels almost too impressive to make on a weeknight — and yet this one is completely doable at home. The technique here is all about patience: thoroughly drying the scallops, letting them rest, and resisting the urge to move them in a screaming-hot pan until that deep caramel crust forms naturally. Coconut oil does the heavy lifting for both the sear and the sauce, giving the dish a clean, neutral richness without any dairy or nut-based fats that can sneak into similar recipes. The pan sauce comes together in minutes from the same skillet, pulling in golden garlic, chicken bone broth, fresh lemon juice, and a generous handful of dill for a flavor that's bright, savory, and a little luxurious. For anyone navigating tree nut allergies or sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of cashews and cashew-derived ingredients from start to finish — no swaps needed, no label-reading required. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a scatter of parsley over the top right before serving ties everything together beautifully. This is the kind of dish that earns serious compliments with a surprisingly short ingredient list.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb large sea scallops (about 12–16 count), side muscle removed
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, divided
For the pan sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup chicken bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for finishing the sauce)
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry on all sides with paper towels, then season with the fine sea salt. Set them on a clean plate and let them rest uncovered at room temperature for 5 minutes — the surface should look visibly dry before they go into the pan.
- 2
Heat 1 1/2 tbsp of the coconut oil in a 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over high heat until the oil shimmers and just begins to smoke. Add the scallops in a single layer, flat-side down, without crowding — work in two batches if needed. Sear undisturbed for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until the underside is deep golden-brown and releases cleanly from the pan.
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