Lime Parmesan Scallops

This four ingredient recipe for lime parmesan scallops is so easy and speedy to make, and you won’t believe the dinner party level deliciousness!

Jump to:

• Why we love this recipe
• What’s the difference between wet and dry scallops?
• How much is a serving of scallops?
• Here’s how you make this recipe
• What to serve with this recipe
• Other scallop recipes we love!
• We want to know what you think! 🤔
• Could you leave us a review?
• Lime Parmesan Scallops

Why we love this recipe

The Southern husband was looking over my shoulder a couple of minutes ago as I was getting this recipe for lime parmesan scallops ready, and I honestly think he was considering asking me if we could have these for lunch RIGHT THIS MINUTE.

Scallops are his absolute fave, and he adores this recipe for the seared on the outside, tender on the inside sweet scallop flavor, zinged up with lime juice and with some savory parmesan cheese finishing everything off.

I like scallops just fine, but one of the things I also love about this recipe is that it is ready in under 15 minutes.

Yep. 4 ingredients. 5 if you count a grinding of pepper on top. 15 minutes. Dinner Party Level Dinner. It’s a dream come true for both of us!

Okay, let’s talk scallops. You want the big ones – sea scallops – for this recipe, and if you can get ’em, you want dry scallops.

What’s the difference between wet and dry scallops?

Good question, because they all look kinda wet, right? Wet scallops have been treated with chemicals that keep them fresher longer. They are perfectly ok to eat, but they do have a little of that chemical taste.

Dry scallops are ones that go straight from being harvested to the store, and while they are best used that day, they have only the sweet scallop taste. So ask for the dry ones – most supermarkets carry them now.

How much is a serving of scallops?

Well, if you are the Southern husband, about 533. But most folks will be just fine with anywhere from 3 to 5 scallops. I usually buy them by the amount, not the pound – as in, “may I please have 8 dry sea scallops?”

Here’s how you make this recipe

Heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium high heat in a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works great if you have one!).

When the butter is melted, add 8 sea scallops and sear them without moving them for 3 minutes. The without moving them part is essential to get that nice crusty sear on the outside.

After 3 minutes, turn the scallops over and let them sear for 2 minutes on the other side.  While they are cooking, add the juice from one lime, and spoon the melted butter lime juice over the scallops as they cook.

Remove the scallops and place on warmed dinner plates.  Pour the pan drippings over the top and garnish with lime zest, some parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.

Hurray for scallops!

What to serve with this recipe

If you are making a scallop recipe like this one, the sky is the limit in terms of side dishes! If we want a lighter supper we make roasted green beans or steamed asparagus or a tomato goat cheese salad. If we are feeling hungrier, I will serve them over rice or polenta. One way or the other, I make sure some of the pan sauce from cooking the scallops gets drizzled over whatever is on the side! And of course we don’t leave out dessert…here is some honey bun cake for you!

Other scallop recipes we love!

We want to know what you think! 🤔

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear how it came out for you! I’d be super grateful if you could leave a star rating (you pick how many stars! 🌟 ) and your thoughts in the Comments section below the recipe.

Looking for more seafood inspiration? Here is our complete collection of seafood recipes!

Could you leave us a review?

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear how it came out for you! I’d be super grateful if you could leave a star rating (you pick how many stars! 🌟 ) and your thoughts in the Comments section.