Pecan Free Lemon-Dill Seared Scallops
Perfectly seared scallops with a golden crust and a bright, herby pan sauce are one of those restaurant-level dishes that are actually very achievable at home. The technique here is all about patience — patting the scallops completely dry and letting them rest before they ever touch the pan is what gives you that deep, caramelized sear instead of a sad, steamed result. Coconut oil brings a high smoke point and clean richness to the sear, then does double duty finishing the sauce with a silky, buttery texture. Fresh dill and lemon zest lift the whole dish with a clean, bright flavor that feels light and elegant without being fussy. The garlic-and-bone-broth pan sauce comes together in just a few minutes and makes the most of every bit of fond left in the skillet. There are no hidden nut-based oils, no trail mix add-ins, no sneaky garnishes — just straightforward, clean ingredients that are naturally free of tree nut concerns. Serve these straight from the pan with lemon wedges and a little fresh parsley, and dinner feels genuinely special.
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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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