Close-up shot of sautéed scallops with avocado crema and cilantro garnish, plated beautifully

Seafood

Name: Sauteed-Scallops-with-Avocado-Crema-and-Cilantro
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 9 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 6 large Scallops; 1/2 ripe Avocado; 1/2 Lime; 2 tablespoons Sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup, chopped Cilantro; to taste Salt; to taste Black pepper; 1 tablespoon High-heat oil

sauteed scallops with avocado crema and cilantro

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

23 Apr 2025

Last night, I had friends over for dinner, and I decided to make something a little fancy for them. I’d seen a recipe for seared scallops with avocado crema online, and it looked absolutely divine. Of course, I had to add my own little twist: a generous helping of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. The results? Mind-blowingly delicious—my friends are still talking about it. So, if you're looking for an impressive yet surprisingly easy recipe to wow your dinner guests, look no further!

A table set for dinner, with a plate of sautéed scallops in the center

This recipe is all about showcasing the fresh, clean taste of the scallops, complemented by a creamy, zesty avocado crema. The cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the avocado, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. It's also really quick to make which makes it a good choice for a busy weeknight meal. Trust me, this dish is way easier to make than it looks.

Close up of the avocado crema being made

Required Equipments

Large skillet
Chef's knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Small bowl

Sauteed Scallops with Avocado Crema and Cilantro

This recipe for sautéed scallops with avocado crema and cilantro is a stunningly delicious dish that's easier to make than you might think. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 9 minutes

📖 Instructions

First things first, let's tackle those scallops. Gently pat them dry with paper towels; seriously, dryness is key here. This helps get a beautiful sear. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don't be shy with the pepper—it adds a wonderful kick!
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about a tablespoon of your favorite high-heat oil—avocado or grapeseed oil work great. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the scallops to the hot pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temp should hit around 145°F. Once they’re cooked, take them out of the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
Now, for the dreamy avocado crema! In a small bowl, combine the ripe avocado, lime juice, sour cream or Greek yogurt (use whichever you prefer!), cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix it all up until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes a little more lime juice does the trick.
Finally, plate your masterpiece! Spoon a generous dollop of the avocado crema onto each plate. Top with the seared scallops, and sprinkle with extra cilantro for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Tip: if you're feeling fancy, you could add a squeeze of extra lime or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving. And dont forget to grab a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc to wash it all down...Mmm!

📝 Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality scallops.
If your avocado is not very ripe, you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the crema to make it smoother.
Adjust the amount of cilantro to your taste preferences.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days