Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce

Oh wow, you have to try this! Seared scallops, crispy on the outside, soft like butter inside. And the best part? They sit on a bed of tender asparagus with the creamiest, dreamiest sauce.

I’ve made a lot of seafood dishes, but this one? It’s next-level good. The scallops cook in minutes, and the sauce? It’s silky, rich, and just melts into every bite.

If you love quick, fancy-looking meals, this is for you. It feels like restaurant food but is so easy to make at home. Seriously, you’ll want to lick the plate clean.

Grab your scallops, get that pan sizzling, and let’s make something amazing. You won’t believe how simple (and delicious) this is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Flavorful: The delicate sweetness of the scallops pairs perfectly with the bright asparagus and the creamy sauce.
• Quick to Make: You can prepare this delicious dish in less than 30 minutes!
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish feels fancy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra to enjoy this flavorful dish throughout the week.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is also friendly for low-carb diets.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes enough for 2 servings. Need more? Double the ingredients for a family-sized meal.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but also enjoyable for experienced cooks who appreciate simple, fresh ingredients.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Small saucepan (for sauce)
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

This dish comes together quickly with a few key ingredients that allow the fresh flavors to shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sea Scallops: Choose fresh or thawed scallops. Make sure they are dry before searing for that perfect golden crust.
• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears add a crisp, earthy flavor that complements the scallops beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil to sear the scallops and cook the asparagus.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and helps sear the scallops to perfection.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: For the rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the scallops and the creamy sauce.
• Chives or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish adds color and freshness to the dish.

Variations for Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce

• Add Other Vegetables: If you want more vegetables, you can add sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to your bowl.
• Use Different Herbs: Try fresh basil or thyme instead of chives or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Swap Cream for Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a slightly tropical twist.

How to Make Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to get everything ready. Rinse the scallops under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels—this will help achieve a nice sear. Trim the asparagus and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, chop the chives or parsley, and squeeze the lemon juice. This will make the cooking process quick and easy!

2. Sear the Scallops

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Season the scallops with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the scallops to the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the scallops in batches.
4. Once seared, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Asparagus

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Toss the asparagus into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the scallops.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Add the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Assemble the Bowls

1. To serve, divide the seared scallops and asparagus into two bowls.
2. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the scallops and asparagus.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce

This dish is beautiful enough to serve as a standalone meal or pair with other light sides. Here are some great serving ideas to complement your Scallop Bowls:

• Over Rice: Serve the scallops and asparagus over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With Quinoa: For a protein-packed option, serve over quinoa for a healthy, grain-based alternative.
• With Roasted Potatoes: Pair with roasted potatoes for a heartier option.
• On a Salad: Serve the scallops and asparagus over a bed of fresh greens for a light and refreshing meal.
• With Garlic Bread: If you’re craving a little carb boost, garlic bread would be a great addition on the side.

This dish also pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the delicate scallops and creamy sauce.

Storing Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce

• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the scallops, asparagus, and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the asparagus and creamy sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat the sauce gently and cook fresh scallops when you’re ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pat the Scallops Dry: Make sure to dry the scallops thoroughly with paper towels before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t release excess moisture into the pan.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When searing scallops, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them in batches if needed to ensure a nice, even sear.
• Creamy Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick while simmering, you can add a little more heavy cream or even a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
• Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the lemon juice! It adds brightness and balances the richness of the creamy sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 bowl	Amount per serving
Calories	420
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	720mg
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before searing to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The creamy sauce is best made fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

What other vegetables can I add?
Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach are great additions to this dish.

Conclusion

Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce is a dish that’s sure to impress with its simple yet elegant flavors. The perfect balance of seared scallops, tender asparagus, and a creamy sauce makes this meal irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a quick yet luxurious dinner, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a beautifully flavorful meal!