Pat them dry. Salt n pepper, cooking oil, high heat. Throw in butter. Done. Should look golden brown.
Discussion
Really, simply this.
Maybe I simplified it too much
Absolutely not. Scallops is one of those things that less is more.
I would say only, pick a good product that's all natural and not treated.
Usually frozen is better than "fresh" (defrosted and soaked in chemicals and water to bleach them white and make them heavier with water), and Japanese (Hokkaido) scallops are simply the best in the world. Also there's plenty of sustainable options (look for MSC certified product).