Heat: Preheat your skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures a good sear.
Season: Season the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook: Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Arrange the scallops in the pan, ensuring they are not too close together to avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Add Garlic: In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. If desired, deglaze the pan with white wine for extra flavor.
Serve: Transfer the scallops to a plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.