Keto Ghee Seared Scallops

Deliciously extra-large sweet and savory scallops are seasoned with plenty of salt and pepper and then seared in a generous amount of ghee. This recipe seems so simple, but the flavor impact is enormous! The final seared scallops are sprinkled with chopped parsley. The result is stunning but is effortless to make. Your guests will love this as a Christmas dinner side dish.

The trick to this dish is getting a good sear. How do I ensure that?

Make sure your pan is set over a medium-high flame until the pan is hot. Then add the ghee, melt it and tilt the pan around to distribute the fat. The scallops should be placed on a rack on a sheet tray overnight to allow them to dry out. Place the scallops flat side down into the pan. Make sure not to move them around once they touch the pan until a good sear develops. Also, be sure to leave plenty of space around each of the scallops (do not crowd the pan, which will lead to steaming, not searing).

What other kinds of fats can I use?

Butter, olive oil, avocado oil, lard, or tallow are also really great choices for this dish. Each will lend a different flavor.

Serving suggestions

Eat Keto Ghee Seared Scallops with Keto Christmas dinners like Keto Christmas Roast Chicken https://www.carbmanager.com/recipe/keto-christmas-roast-chicken.

Net Carbs

4.2 g
Fiber

0.1 g
Total Carbs

4.3 g
Protein

15.5 g
Fats

7 g

140 cals

Quantity

Serving Size

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Ghee

1 tablespoon
Coarse Kosher Salt by Morton

¼ tsp
Black Pepper

¼ teaspoon
Scallops

10 large - sea scallop
Parsley

1 teaspoon, chopped

Step 1

Place frozen or fresh scallops onto a baking sheet that is fitted with a rack on top. Allow the scallops to sit overnight in the fridge or until they are almost dry on the tops. Drying the scallops will set up for a perfect sear. Alternatively, for fresh scallops, you can use paper towels to dry them off. For frozen scallops, sitting them on a rack overnight helps thaw them and dry them out at the same time.
Step 2

The next day sprinkle the scallops with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat a medium-sized nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the ghee, melt it, and swirl the pan to distribute the fat.
Step 3

Place the scallops into the pan top side down and allow an excellent sear to develop for about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to turn the heat down to medium if they seem to be smoking a lot.
Step 4

Flip the scallops and cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved—place on serving plate and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.