This absolutely delicious Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and uses a simple pan method for a quick dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the seasonings or serve it with whatever sides you have on hand. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these scallops will wow your family, and you can whip them up in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops
When you’re making Gordon Ramsay’s renowned pan-seared scallops, you want the best ingredients that bring out their natural flavor. Here’s what you need:
- 12 Large Scallops (Dry-Packed Preferred)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to Taste)
- 1 Lemon (Optional)
- Fresh Parsley (Optional)
How to Make Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops
Ready to get your gourmet on? Here’s how I make this scrumptious recipe step-by-step:
1. Prep the Scallops : First things first! Take your scallops and pat each one thoroughly dry using paper towels. This is super important, folks! If they’re not dry enough, they won’t sear properly. Once dried, season both sides generously with, wait for it, salt and pepper! You want to make sure they are well seasoned.
2. Heat the Pan : Now, get your trusty heavy-bottomed pan, either cast iron or stainless steel works wonders here. Put it on high heat and toss in the olive oil. You’ll want to heat it until it shimmers, which should take about 90 seconds. Keep an eye on it, you want that oil hot enough so the scallops sizzle when they hit the pan!
3. Sear the Scallops : Here’s where the magic happens! Carefully place the scallops into the hot pan, giving them plenty of space, don’t overcrowd, or you’ll end up steaming them instead of searing. Let them sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming. And then, flip the scallops with tongs. Here’s a little pro tip: add that butter to the pan right after flipping and tilt the pan slightly to baste those scallops with the melted butter for the last 30 seconds of cooking. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
4. Rest and Serve : Once they’re perfectly seared, transfer the scallops to a plate and let them rest for about 1 minute. This lets the juices redistribute. Before you serve, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately, and get ready for compliments!

Why I Adore This Recipe
Honestly, this is one of my all-time go-to recipes for those busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without all the fuss. The best part? It’s so quick to prepare, and it’s loaded with flavor! This dish brings the comfort of a fine dining experience right to my family dinner table. I’m a real sucker for anything that makes my family happy, and scallops definitely do the trick. Plus, you can always tailor the sides to whatever you have on hand, talk about versatile!
If you loved this scallop recipe, be sure to check out my Garlic Butter Shrimp, my Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, or my Peruvian Roasted Pork!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, right? You can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time, and who doesn’t love that?
Minimal Cleanup
One pan and a few utensils are all you’ll need! Seriously, no one wants a mountain of dishes after a long day, and this dish makes cleanup a breeze.
Comfort Food
These scallops are not just a meal, they’re comfort food at its finest! They’re flavorful, rich, and just melt-in-your-mouth good. You’ll want to savor every bite!
Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to adapt. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the scallops or add a sprinkle of spicy paprika, use whatever ingredients you have sitting around!
Serving Suggestions
These Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops are fantastic served alongside a light salad, steamed asparagus, or over a bed of creamy risotto. Seriously, the options are endless! Whether you go with something simple like a mixed greens salad or something hearty like mashed potatoes, these scallops will elevate your meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case), they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep them in an airtight container. For reheating, I recommend reheating them on the stove over low heat to avoid making them tough, nobody wants rubbery scallops, am I right? Oh! And they’re not freezer-friendly because thawing can alter that beautiful texture.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it an incredible, quick, and easy recipe for Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops that’s bound to impress. Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore, and with this recipe, you’ll have your family begging for more!
Go ahead, give this a try, and let me know how it goes! I promise it’ll become one of your favorites. Food brings people together, and this dish? It does just that! Happy cooking!
Remember, friends, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the experience. Don’t stress too much about perfection. Just like life, a few little imperfections make the best memories. Enjoy those scallops with your loved ones, and have a great time in the kitchen! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.

Gordon Ramsay Pan Seared Scallops
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to shimmer.
- Carefully place the scallops in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sear the scallops undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip them.
- Add butter to the pan after flipping and baste the scallops for the last 30 seconds.
- Transfer the scallops to a plate to rest for 1 minute before serving.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops and sprinkle with parsley, if desired.