Carnivore Pan Seared Scallops

Looking for a luxurious carnivore meal that’s surprisingly simple to make? These pan seared scallops are exactly what you need.

Carnivore Pan Seared Scallops

Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they make an impressive main dish that only takes minutes to prepare.

Many people think scallops are difficult to cook at home, but with this easy recipe, you’ll get restaurant quality results every time.

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    The key is getting that beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And the best part? You only need a few basic ingredients.

    This recipe stays true to the carnivore diet while delivering amazing flavor. The combination of butter and beef tallow creates a rich taste that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.

    No complicated marinades or fancy ingredients needed – just pure, simple ingredients that let the scallops shine. Let’s get started!

    👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    Quick Cook Time: These scallops take less than 10 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re hungry and don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

    Even if you’re tired after work or short on time, you can still enjoy a fancy meal that’s ready in minutes.

    Minimal Ingredients: You only need scallops, butter, and beef tallow to make this recipe. No long shopping lists or hard to find ingredients. 

    Perfect Golden Crust: This recipe shows you exactly how to get that beautiful golden brown crust that professional chefs achieve. When you follow these steps, you’ll get that perfect sear every time.

    ✨ Recipe Ingredients

    • 1 lbs sea scallops (thawed)
    • 5 tablespoons Butter
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 tablespoon Beef Tallow / Butter (for step 2)
    • Optional: 4 Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced)
    Quick tip: Pin this recipe now to have it handy in your saved collection. Perfect for last-minute meal ideas!
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      👨‍🍳 How To Make

      Follow these steps to make the best pan-seared carnivore scallops:

      Step 1

      Pat the scallops dry and season them on both sides with salt.

      Step 2

      Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef tallow / butter.

      Step 3

      Once the skillet is hot, add the scallops and sear them for 70-80 seconds without touching. They will form a golden crust.

      Step 4

      Flip the scallops and cook for another minute.

      Step 5

      Remove the scallops from the pan and reduce the heat to low. Add the 5 tablespoons of butter (and garlic if using) and allow it to melt.

      Step 6

      Pour the melted butter over the scallops. At this point, you can add more of your favorite seasonings. Enjoy!

      Carnivore Scallops

      💡Tips

      1. Don’t Skip the Drying Step!

      The most important part of getting that golden crust is making sure your scallops are completely dry. Take your time patting them with paper towels – both sides and edges.

      If there’s any moisture left, your scallops will steam instead of sear. Keep patting until the paper towel comes away clean and the scallops feel slightly sticky to touch.

      This step might take a few minutes and several paper towels, but it’s worth it for that perfect restaurant style crust.

      2. Get Your Pan Really Hot

      Your pan needs to be properly hot before the scallops go in. Here’s how to test it: add your beef tallow or butter and watch how it behaves. When it starts to shimmer and moves around the pan like water, you’re ready to cook.

      If you add a tiny drop of water (just a drop!), it should sizzle and disappear instantly. If your pan isn’t hot enough, you won’t get that golden crust, and the scallops might stick.

      But don’t let it get so hot that your fat starts smoking – that’s defiently too hot.

      Scallops

      3. Leave Them Alone!

      Once those scallops hit the pan, don’t move them around or check the bottom. Moving them prevents that golden crust from forming.

      Set your timer for 70 seconds and don’t touch them until it goes off. You might see the sides starting to turn opaque – this is normal and doesn’t mean you need to flip them yet. Trust the timer!

      Scallops Recipe

      FAQ

      How do I know if my scallops are fresh?

      Fresh scallops should look slightly wet but not slimy, with a light cream or pinkish color – never pure bright white (this often means they’ve been treated with chemicals).

      They should smell like the ocean – fresh and salty, never fishy or strong. If they have a strong smell or feel very sticky, they’re probably not fresh. 

      Are dry packed or wet packed scallops better?

      Dry packed scallops are better for searing. They haven’t been treated with preservatives and water, so they’ll give you a better crust.

      Wet packed scallops have been treated with a solution that makes them absorb water.

      If you can only find wet-packed, pat them extra dry and let them sit on paper towels in the fridge for an hour before cooking.

      Carnivore Pan Seared Scallops
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      Carnivore Pan Seared Scallops

      Print Recipe
      Discover a simple yet delicious recipe for perfectly pan-seared scallops, tailored for the carnivore diet. Ideal for a quick, protein-packed meal.
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      Ingredients

      • 1 lbs Sea Scallops (thawed)
      • 5 tablespoons Butter
      • 1 teaspoon Salt
      • 1 tablespoon Beef Tallow / Butter (for step 2)
      • Optional: 4 Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced)

      Instructions

      • Pat the scallops dry and season them on both sides with salt.
      • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef tallow / butter.
      • Once the skillet is hot, add the scallops and sear them for 70-80 seconds without touching. They will form a golden crust.
      • Flip the scallops and cook for another minute.
      • Remove the scallops from the pan and reduce the heat to low. Add the 5 tablespoons of butter (and garlic if using) and allow it to melt.
      • Pour the melted butter over the scallops. At this point, you can add more of your favorite seasonings. Enjoy!
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      Nutrition

      Calories: 200kcal
      Prep Time: 5 minutes
      Cook Time: 3 minutes
      Total Time: 8 minutes
      Servings: 2 people
      Calories: 200kcal
      Cost: $20

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