Scallops are a tasty seafood option that can be cooked in many ways.

From quick pan-seared dishes to baked treats, there’s a scallop recipe for every taste.

These small but flavorful shellfish are easy to prepare and can be the star of your next meal.

You can find over 15 delicious scallop recipes to try at home.

These recipes range from simple to fancy, giving you lots of choices for cooking scallops.

Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for guests, scallops can fit the bill.

With the right recipe, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality scallop dishes in your own kitchen.

1. Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

Seared scallops with garlic butter are a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 20 minutes.

Start with large sea scallops for the best results. Pat them dry and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the scallops from the pan.

Melt butter in the same pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour this garlic butter sauce over the scallops.

Serve your seared scallops right away for the best texture and flavor. They pair well with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Scallop Risotto with Parmesan

Scallop risotto with Parmesan is a tasty dish that combines creamy rice with tender scallops. You can make it at home in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking arborio rice in a pan with butter and garlic. Add white wine and chicken broth bit by bit, stirring often. This creates a creamy texture.

While the rice cooks, pan-sear the scallops in a hot skillet with oil and butter. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook until they’re golden brown on the outside and just done inside.

Finish the risotto by adding Parmesan cheese. Serve the seared scallops on top of the creamy risotto. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Lemon Herb Grilled Scallops

Lemon herb grilled scallops are a tasty and quick meal option. You’ll love the bright flavors and tender texture.

Start by patting the scallops dry. This helps them get a nice sear on the grill. Season them with salt and pepper.

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint. Use this as a marinade and sauce.

Grill the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should have grill marks and be opaque when done.

Drizzle the remaining herb sauce over the grilled scallops before serving. Enjoy your zesty, perfectly cooked seafood dish!

4. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need sea scallops, bacon, and lemon juice.

Cut bacon strips in half and wrap each piece around a scallop. Secure with a toothpick. Season the wrapped scallops with salt and pepper.

You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and the bacon crispy when done.

For extra flavor, brush the scallops with garlic butter before cooking. You can also try grilling or air frying them for different textures.

Serve these appetizers warm. They’re great for parties or as a special treat at home.

5. Scallop Ceviche with Lime

Scallop ceviche is a refreshing dish that “cooks” raw scallops in citrus juice. To make it, you’ll need fresh bay scallops and plenty of lime juice.

Start by removing the muscle from each scallop. Chop the scallops into small pieces and place them in a bowl.

Pour fresh lime juice over the scallops until they’re covered. Add minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.

Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The acid in the lime juice will turn the scallops opaque, indicating they’re ready to eat.

Serve your scallop ceviche cold as an appetizer. It pairs well with tortilla chips or on top of crisp lettuce leaves.

6. Creamy Scallop Pasta

Creamy scallop pasta is a luxurious dish you can make in about 20 minutes. It combines tender pan-seared scallops with spaghetti in a rich garlic cream sauce.

For the best results, use a non-stick pan when cooking the scallops. This prevents them from sticking and tearing.

You can customize this recipe to your liking. Try adding lemon for brightness or black pepper for a bit of heat.

If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta noodles or dairy-free alternatives for the cream and cheese.

This indulgent meal is perfect for date night or when you want to treat yourself to something special. It’s quick to make but tastes like it took hours.

7. Scallop Chowder with Corn

Scallop chowder with corn is a delicious seafood dish that combines tender scallops and sweet corn in a creamy broth. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this comforting meal.

To make this chowder, start by cooking bacon until crispy in a large pot. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots to create a flavorful base.

Next, stir in potatoes and corn. Pour in clam juice and milk to form the creamy broth. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Finally, add the scallops and cook just until they’re done. Be careful not to overcook them.

The result is a rich, satisfying chowder perfect for cool evenings.

8. Pan-Roasted Scallops with Asparagus

This recipe combines tender scallops with crisp asparagus for a delicious meal. Start by trimming the asparagus and cutting the stems into diagonal slices.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan.

Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, cook the asparagus slices until tender-crisp. Add the scallops back to the pan to warm through.

Serve your pan-roasted scallops and asparagus immediately for the best flavor and texture.

9. Scallop Stir-Fry with Broccoli

This quick and tasty dish combines juicy scallops with crunchy broccoli. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes using one pot.

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger for flavor. Toss in the scallops and cook until they’re lightly browned.

Next, add broccoli florets and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.

Pour in a sauce made from soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Serve your scallop and broccoli stir-fry over rice for a complete meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and delicious.

10. Panko-Crusted Scallops

Panko-crusted scallops are a tasty seafood dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need large sea scallops, panko breadcrumbs, and a few other simple ingredients.

Start by coating the scallops in flour, then dip them in beaten egg. Roll them in panko crumbs mixed with salt and pepper for a crispy coating.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The inside should be tender and juicy.

Serve your panko-crusted scallops hot as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

11. Scallops with Mango Salsa

Scallops with mango salsa bring a tropical twist to your dinner table. This dish combines sweet and tangy flavors with buttery, rich scallops.

To make the salsa, mix diced mango, cucumber, shallot, and cilantro in a bowl. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.

For the scallops, season them with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve the scallops on a bed of coconut rice and top with the mango salsa. This meal is quick to make, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish.

12. Scallop Piccata

Scallop piccata offers a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make this delicious meal in about 20 minutes.

Start by cleaning and drying your scallops. Season them with salt and pepper.

Cook the scallops in a mix of butter and olive oil until they’re golden brown.

Remove the scallops and make the piccata sauce. Combine lemon juice, capers, and butter in the same pan. Pour the sauce over the scallops when serving.

For extra flavor, add some garlic to the sauce.

You can serve scallop piccata with pasta or orzo for a full meal. This dish is both easy enough for weeknights and fancy enough for guests.

13. Crispy Fried Scallops

Crispy fried scallops are a tasty seafood treat. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by coating fresh scallops in buttermilk, then dredge them in seasoned flour. The flour mixture should contain salt and pepper for flavor.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot or deep fryer. Carefully add the coated scallops and fry until golden brown.

Cook the scallops in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps them fry evenly and stay crispy.

Serve your fried scallops hot for the best taste and texture. They pair well with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.

14. Herb-Marinated Grilled Scallops

Herb-marinated grilled scallops make a tasty and fancy meal.

To make them, mix olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Add the scallops and let them soak for 15 minutes.

Take the scallops out of the marinade. You can put them on skewers or grill them on their own.

Cook them on the grill for 3-4 minutes until they get some nice char marks.

While grilling, brush the scallops with the leftover marinade. This adds more flavor and keeps them moist.

The result is juicy scallops with a zesty herb taste that’s perfect for a summer cookout.

15. Scallop Tacos with Avocado

Scallop tacos with avocado are a tasty twist on seafood tacos. You can make these quick and easy tacos in about 20 minutes.

Start by pan-searing sea scallops until they’re lightly browned. While they cook, prepare a fresh avocado salsa or sauce.

For the taco filling, use shredded cabbage as a base. This adds a nice crunch. Top with the seared scallops and avocado mixture.

You can customize your tacos with extra toppings like cilantro, onion, or a squeeze of lime juice.

These tacos are perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or casual get-together with friends.

The Best Types of Scallops

When it comes to scallops, you’ll mainly find two types in grocery stores: sea scallops and bay scallops. Each has its own unique qualities that make them suitable for different recipes.

Sea scallops are the larger variety. You can find them year-round, making them a convenient choice for your cooking needs. Their size makes them perfect for searing or grilling.

Bay scallops, on the other hand, are smaller and sweeter. They’re more commonly found in winter months. While they may cost more, their delicate flavor is worth it for special dishes.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Type	Size	Availability	Best Cooking Methods
Sea Scallops	Large	Year-round	Searing, Grilling
Bay Scallops	Small	Seasonal (Winter)	Broiling, Quick Sautéing

When choosing scallops, look for:

• A firm texture
• A slightly pink or ivory color
• A sweet, fresh smell

Avoid scallops that appear slimy or have a strong fishy odor. Fresh scallops will give you the best flavor in your recipes.

Remember, both types of scallops cook quickly. You’ll want to be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Classic Cooking Techniques

Mastering classic cooking techniques will help you prepare delicious scallops at home. These methods bring out the best flavors and textures in scallops.

Pan-Seared Scallops

Pan-searing gives scallops a golden crust while keeping them tender inside.

Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter.

When the pan is hot, add the scallops. Don’t overcrowd them.

Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. They should have a golden-brown color. The inside will be slightly translucent when done.

Serve right away for the best taste and texture. You can add a simple sauce or just a squeeze of lemon juice.

Baked Scallops

Baking is an easy way to cook scallops, especially for beginners.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish.

Top the scallops with a mix of breadcrumbs, melted butter, and herbs. Parsley and garlic work well. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for about 15 minutes. The scallops are done when they’re firm to the touch. The topping should be golden brown and crispy.

This method is great for cooking a large batch of scallops at once. It’s perfect for dinner parties or family meals.

Seasonal Pairings for Scallops

Scallops taste great year-round, but you can enhance their flavor by pairing them with seasonal ingredients. Here are some ideas to try throughout the year:

Spring: • Asparagus • Peas • Morel mushrooms • Lemon and herb sauces

Summer: • Grilled corn • Tomato salad • Cucumber salsa • Light vinaigrettes

Fall: • Butternut squash puree • Roasted Brussels sprouts • Apple and fennel slaw • Brown butter sauce

Winter: • Creamy risotto • Roasted root vegetables • Cauliflower puree • Citrus beurre blanc

You can mix and match these seasonal pairings to create tasty scallop dishes.

Try grilling scallops with corn in summer or serving them over butternut squash puree in fall.

Remember to cook scallops quickly over high heat. This keeps them tender and brings out their sweet flavor.

A good rule is to sear them for about 2 minutes per side.

Pair your seasonal scallop dishes with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These complement the delicate taste of scallops without overpowering them.