Seared Scallops with Lemon Herb Butter: A Keto Seafood Delight

Scallops are a marvel of the sea: delicate, naturally sweet, and impressively protein-rich while remaining extremely low in carbs. When seared properly, they develop a golden crust while remaining tender in the centre, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with a rich, zesty lemon herb butter.

This recipe brings keto indulgence to fine dining. By keeping carbohydrates negligible, the dish fits seamlessly into ketogenic macros, while the butter-based sauce delivers the high-fat content needed to maintain ketosis. The herbs and citrus elevate flavour without adding sugar or starch, creating an elegant yet accessible seafood experience.

Scallops are also packed with selenium and vitamin B12, micronutrients essential for thyroid function and energy metabolism (USDA, 2020). This meal is as nutritionally robust as it is visually stunning.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

• 8 large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry (200 g / 7 oz)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g / 1 oz)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g / 0.2 oz)

• Juice of ½ lemon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)

• 1 tsp lemon zest (2 g / 0.07 oz)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (3 g / 0.1 oz)

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (1 g / 0.04 oz)

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Prepare scallops: Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Remove the side muscle if present. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear scallops: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place scallops in the pan without overcrowding. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Make lemon herb butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, and thyme.

4. Combine: Return scallops to the pan and spoon the lemon herb butter over them, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to coat evenly.

5. Serve: Arrange scallops on a plate with sauce drizzled over. Garnish with extra parsley and thyme sprigs.

Nutritional Information

(per serving: 4 scallops + sauce)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 3 g

• Fibre: 0 g

• Net Carbs: 3 g

Why It Fits the Keto Diet

Scallops provide high-quality protein while remaining extremely low in carbs. The lemon herb butter adds ketogenic fats that sustain energy levels and help maintain ketosis. Selenium, found in scallops, supports antioxidant defence and thyroid function (Rayman, 2012).

High-fat, moderate-protein meals like this one improve satiety and support metabolic adaptation during ketosis (Paoli et al., 2013). By choosing nutrient-dense seafood, this recipe combines indulgence, elegance, and metabolic benefits.

Serving and Plating Suggestions

Plate scallops in a row or circular pattern on a wide white plate. Spoon the lemon herb butter around and over them, and finish with a light sprinkle of parsley and thyme for contrast. Serve with sautéed asparagus or a side of creamed spinach for a full keto-friendly meal.

Variations

• Substitute scallops with lobster tail medallions for a more luxurious dish.

• Add a few drops of truffle oil for an earthy, decadent twist.

• Incorporate capers into the butter sauce for a briny pop of flavour.

References

• Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012;379(9822):1256–1268.

• USDA FoodData Central. Scallops, raw. 2020.

• Paoli A, Rubini A, Volek JS, Grimaldi KA. Beyond weight loss: therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67(8):789–796.

Artistic interpretation - details may differ from the actual.