Creamy Garlic Scallops (Whole30 + Keto)
Published Jun 13, 2020 Updated Jul 11, 2023
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My new Creamy Garlic Scallops are so simple and flavorful. Not only are they super simple, but they require minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in 15 minutes. Additionally, they are Keto, Whole30, Paleo, gluten and dairy free.
I love scallops because they have a velvet and buttery texture. When I get sick of chicken, I love putting scallops on the menu. Pairing this dish on top of creamy cauliflower mash or even cauliflower rice and steamed veggies makes for the perfect dinner.
Ingredients for these Creamy Garlic Scallops:
- Scallops
- Olive oil
- Shallots
- Ghee
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Canned coconut milk
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
- Xanthan gum
Tips for Cooking Scallops:
It is very important to prepare and cook scallops correctly, or you will end up with a rubbery texture. Below are the best tips for cooking scallops correctly:
- The first thing you want to do when you’re searing scallops is to pat the outside dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt and pepper on each side.
- Next, grab a skillet, nonstick or cast iron and cover with olive oil.
- Heat the oil on high heat until sizzling, then add each scallop to the skillet.
- Drop in each scallop. Make sure to give them enough space in the pan so they’re not steaming each other.
- Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Make sure NOT to overcook or they will become rubbery.
- These scallops taste best when served immediately.
What to serve with these Creamy Garlic Scallops:
- Creamy cauliflower mash
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed asparagus
- Sauteed broccoli
- Green beans
- Tomato and cucumber salad
Creamy Garlic Scallops (Whole30 + Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds scallops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 small shallots diced
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
Instructions
- If scallops are frozen, thaw in cold water. Remove the side muscle from the scallops if attached. Pat the scallops dry with paper towel. Season both sides of the scallops with salt & pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat with olive oil until sizzling.
- Add the scallops in a single layer without over crowding and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side (Make sure each side has a golden crust).
- Once they are cooked through and opaque, remove from skillet, transfer to a plate and set the side.
- Melt the 2 tbsp of ghee along with adding in the minced garlic and shallots. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, Add the coconut milk along with the xanthan gum and allow to simmer until thickened.
- Remove skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
- Add the scallops back into the pan to warm through slightly.
- Garnish with additional parsley, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
Notes
- Scallops will become extremely rubbery if overcooked.
- Sub 2 tsp of tapioca flour dissolved in 1 tbsp of water for the xanthan gum if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Yummy!!!! So tasty and easy to make.
Delicious. Instructions made sure I didn’t over cook the scallops. Lovely garlic flavor. I served with cauliflower rice and roasted broccoli. This is a special midweek treat. Thank you.
So happy to hear it was a hit. Thank you
Hi, this looks wonderful! Do you think it would taste good if I made this same recipe but with shrimp instead of scallops?
Yes! Shrimp would work perfect
Will almond milk be an okay substitute for the coconut milk? I am afraid the cream will be too “coconut-y” for my taste.
Hi Brittney……..I wouldn’t recommend substituting almond for coconut. If you are not completely Whole30 compliant and want to splurge, you can use heaving whipping cream as a substitute. Have a blessed weekend.
Can you substitute almond milk for the coconut milk? I am afraid the coconut milk will give it too much of a coconut-y flavor.
You can, but I would recommend something thicker like Nutpods in the original flavor.
Another fabulous recipe! We served this with the artichoke pasta you recommended and it was quick, easy and delicious!
So happy to heat it was a hit! Thank you
This was absolutely amazing over a bed of asparagus!!
Very tasty! I had to improvise with arrow root instead of xanthan gum. And regular onion instead of shallot – per my pantry – but it was delicious! Great recipe!
YAY this is awesome to hear Kayla. Thank you for your kind words of support.
Yum! We ate it over brown rice and served with roasted asparagus. A definite keeper. Scallops have always seemed like a special occasion item. Used wild caught bay scallops. And I’ll definitely make again for a weeknight meal. Don’t skimp on the garlic or lemon.
Hi! I’m wondering if I can substitute any type of fish filet instead of scallops? And if so, what kind? I don’t like shrimp or scallops 😬 What about Cod? Salmon? Something else? The sauce sounds lovely!