Salmon Scallop Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Ideas

Combining the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with the delicate sweetness of scallops creates a seafood dish that’s nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re looking to impress guests for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, this salmon scallop recipe is your go-to guide.

The recipe balances the succulence of fresh scallops with the tender, flaky texture of salmon, all enhanced by a subtle garlic butter sauce and a hint of lemon zest. It’s quick to prepare, yet feels indulgent and elegant—perfect for both weeknight dinners and celebratory feasts.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why this recipe is a must-try, the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips and variations to customize it your way.

Plus, I’ll share some serving suggestions and the nutrition facts so you can enjoy this dish guilt-free. Let’s dive right in and create a seafood masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salmon scallop recipe stands out because it combines two of the ocean’s finest ingredients in a simple yet flavorful way. The buttery texture of the salmon complements the tender, juicy scallops perfectly.

You’ll love how the garlic and lemon elevate the natural sweetness of the seafood, making every bite a taste sensation.

Another reason this recipe is a winner is its ease and speed. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy cooks who want gourmet results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s versatile—you can pair it with a variety of sides or sauces to suit your mood or occasion.

Finally, this dish is packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re aiming for a wholesome family dinner or a fancy date night, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on or off as preferred)
• 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
• Fish spatula or regular spatula
• Small bowl for mixing lemon juice and zest
• Kitchen paper towels (to pat dry scallops)
• Measuring spoons
• Serving plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the seafood: Pat the salmon fillets and scallops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy sear.
2. Season: Lightly season both sides of the salmon and scallops with salt and pepper. If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle a small pinch on the scallops.
3. Heat the pan: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
4. Sear the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless) in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy or the bottom is nicely browned. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
5. Sear the scallops: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the scallops spaced out evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them to form a nice crust. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and firm. Remove scallops and set aside with salmon.
6. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let garlic burn).
7. Add lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
8. Return seafood to pan: Gently place salmon and scallops back into the pan for 30 seconds to coat them in the sauce and warm through.
9. Garnish and serve: Transfer the seafood to serving plates, spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

“Always pat your scallops and salmon dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear with golden crusts.”

Tip: Use fresh sea scallops if possible for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and dry thoroughly.

Variation 1: Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle acidity and complexity. Deglaze the pan after cooking scallops before adding butter and garlic.

Variation 2: For a creamy twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream into the garlic butter sauce just before returning the seafood to the pan.

Variation 3: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or dill into the butter sauce for an herbal aroma.

Tip: Serve over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up the luscious sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This salmon scallop dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to complement the richness of the seafood. Consider serving it with:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans tossed with lemon and olive oil
• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting base
• A crisp, vibrant salad like a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to add freshness
• Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and sea salt
• Lightly buttered rice pilaf or quinoa for a wholesome grain option

Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to enhance the flavors and enjoy a delightful dining experience.

Conclusion

This salmon scallop recipe offers an elegant yet straightforward way to celebrate seafood at its finest. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and scallops bathed in a fragrant garlic butter and lemon sauce is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic dinner, this dish promises a satisfying and impressive meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations or pair it with your favorite sides to make it your own. For more delicious meal ideas, check out recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a hearty grain dish, or explore the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to warm up your evenings.

For a light and fresh touch, the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas pairs beautifully with many main dishes.

Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite of this exquisite salmon and scallop delight!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Salmon Scallop Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender salmon and succulent scallops. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)”, “12 large sea scallops”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 lemon, juiced”, “1 teaspoon paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)”, “1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pat salmon and scallops dry; season with salt, pepper, and paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 4 minutes, then flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In the same skillet, add butter and garlic; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add scallops and cook 2 minutes per side until opaque and golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return salmon to skillet, drizzle lemon juice, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “400”, “proteinContent”: “45g”, “fatContent”: “22g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “3g”}}