Looking for tasty ways to cook scallops? You’ve come to the right place.
This article will show you some great scallop recipes to try at home. From simple seared scallops to fancy baked dishes, there’s something for everyone.
Scallops are easy to prepare and can make any meal feel special. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these recipes will help you cook scallops like a pro.
Get ready to discover new flavors and techniques for this delicious seafood.
1. Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Seared scallops with lemon butter make a quick and fancy meal. You only need a few ingredients and about 15 minutes to cook them.
Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the scallops to the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from the pan.
Add butter and lemon juice to the same pan. Stir to make a sauce. Pour this over your scallops and serve right away.
2. Scallop Risotto with Peas and Asparagus
Scallop risotto with peas and asparagus is a tasty dish that combines seafood and spring vegetables. You’ll need Arborio rice, scallops, peas, asparagus, and broth to make it.
Start by cooking the rice slowly, adding warm broth bit by bit. This creates a creamy texture.
While the rice cooks, sear the scallops in a separate pan until golden brown.
Add blanched asparagus and peas to the rice near the end of cooking. Stir in the seared scallops last.
The result is a rich, flavorful risotto with tender scallops and crisp veggies.
This dish works well for a special dinner or when you want to impress guests. It’s filling yet light, perfect for warmer months.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Maple Glaze
Bacon-wrapped scallops with maple glaze offer a tasty blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish combines tender scallops with crispy bacon and a rich maple syrup glaze.
To make this recipe, wrap each scallop in a piece of partially cooked bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Mix maple syrup with a touch of soy sauce and spices for the glaze.
You can cook these delicious bites in the oven or on the grill. Brush the glaze onto the scallops before and during cooking.
The bacon will crisp up while the scallops stay juicy inside.
This appetizer is perfect for parties or as a special treat at home. The combination of textures and flavors will impress your guests.
4. Grilled Scallops with Garlic Herb Butter
Grilled scallops with garlic herb butter are a tasty and quick seafood dish. You can make this meal in just a few minutes.
Start by seasoning your scallops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown.
While the scallops cook, melt some butter in a small pan. Add minced garlic and your favorite herbs like parsley or thyme.
Once the scallops are done, drizzle the flavored butter over them. The warm butter will melt into the scallops, adding extra flavor.
This dish goes well with a side of grilled veggies or a light salad. You can also serve it over pasta for a fuller meal.
5. Parmesan-Crusted Scallops with Lemon Aioli
This tasty recipe combines tender scallops with a crispy Parmesan coating. You’ll need large scallops, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley.
Mix the cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Coat the scallops in this mixture.
Cook them in a hot pan with olive oil for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
For the lemon aioli, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and zest. Serve the crispy scallops with a dollop of the tangy aioli on top.
This dish is quick to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests.
6. Scallop Ceviche with Mango and Avocado
Scallop ceviche with mango and avocado is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You’ll love the mix of tender scallops, sweet mango, and creamy avocado.
To make it, slice fresh scallops thinly. Marinate them in lime juice for about 30 minutes. This “cooks” the scallops without heat.
Mix in diced mango, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Add a bit of jalapeño for spice if you like. Season with salt and a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.
Serve your ceviche in small glasses or on lettuce leaves. It’s a light, tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
7. Creamy Scallop Pasta with Fresh Herbs
This dish combines tender scallops with a rich, creamy sauce and fresh herbs. You’ll love how the flavors blend together perfectly.
Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente.
While it cooks, sear the scallops in a hot pan until they’re golden brown.
For the sauce, sauté shallots in butter, then add cream and broth. Let it simmer and thicken.
Toss in the pasta, scallops, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil.
The herbs add a burst of freshness that balances the creamy sauce. This meal feels fancy but is actually quick and easy to make.
8. Ginger Soy Glazed Scallops on Rice
This tasty dish combines juicy scallops with a flavorful ginger soy glaze. To make it, you’ll need scallops, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey.
Start by cooking your rice. While it’s simmering, prepare the glaze by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey in a bowl.
Pat the scallops dry and season them lightly.
Sear them in a hot pan for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pour the ginger soy glaze into the pan with the scallops. Let it simmer briefly, coating the scallops.
Serve the glazed scallops over your cooked rice for a delicious meal.
9. Scallop Chowder with Corn and Potatoes
Scallop chowder with corn and potatoes is a tasty seafood dish. You’ll love the mix of sweet scallops, crunchy corn, and soft potatoes in a creamy broth.
To make it, cook bacon or salt pork first. Then sauté onions and celery in the drippings.
Add potatoes, corn, and broth, and simmer until the potatoes are nearly done.
Next, stir in cream and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the scallops last and cook for just a few minutes until they turn opaque.
For extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Serve your chowder hot with some crusty bread on the side.
10. Scallops with Brown Butter and Sage
This dish brings out the natural sweetness of scallops with rich browned butter and aromatic sage. It’s a quick and tasty meal you can prepare in minutes.
Start by searing the scallops in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when the sides turn white and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Add butter to the pan and let it melt and foam. As it browns, it will develop a nutty flavor.
Toss in fresh sage leaves to crisp up in the last minute of cooking.
Spoon the browned butter and sage over the scallops before serving. This enhances their flavor and keeps them tender.
Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
11. Scallop and Shrimp Skewers with Lime
Scallop and shrimp skewers with lime offer a tasty seafood combo for your grill. You can make a simple lime-ginger glaze to add zesty flavor.
Thread peeled shrimp and scallops onto skewers, alternating between the two. Soak wooden skewers in water first to prevent burning.
Grill the skewers over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink and the scallops should become firm and opaque.
Baste the skewers with your lime glaze while grilling.
You can add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for extra kick.
Serve the skewers hot off the grill with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
This dish works great as an appetizer or main course.
12. Caramelized Scallops with Orange Sauce
Caramelized scallops with orange sauce combine sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love this elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Start by patting the scallops dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Sear them in a hot pan until golden brown on both sides.
For the sauce, mix fresh orange juice with a touch of caramel. Add butter for richness and strain the sauce before serving.
Pour the warm orange sauce over your perfectly cooked scallops. The bright citrus complements the seafood’s natural sweetness.
This recipe works best with large sea scallops. Serve it as a fancy starter or main course to impress your dinner guests.
13. Spicy Thai Scallops with Coconut Rice
Spicy Thai scallops with coconut rice offer a tasty mix of flavors. You can make this dish in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking jasmine rice with coconut milk. This gives the rice a creamy texture and sweet taste.
For the scallops, heat oil in a pan. Add garlic, ginger, and Thai chili. Cook sea scallops until golden brown.
Make a sauce with coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce. Pour it over the scallops and let it simmer.
Serve the scallops over the coconut rice. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil on top.
This meal is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress guests.
14. Garlic Parmesan Scallops with Zucchini Noodles
This dish combines tender scallops with zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
Start by patting your scallops dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes until just tender.
Return the scallops to the pan. Toss everything with grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, healthy meal.
15. Lemon Garlic Scallops on Spinach
This dish combines tender scallops with fresh spinach in a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
Start by patting the scallops dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the scallops for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and wilt it down.
Return the scallops to the pan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and stir gently to combine.
The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet scallops and earthy spinach.
Serve this quick and elegant meal immediately for the best flavor and texture.
16. Scallop Tacos with Jalapeño Slaw
Scallop tacos offer a tasty twist on seafood. You can make these by pan-searing scallops until golden brown.
For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage with sliced jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro. This adds crunch and a spicy kick to your tacos.
Warm corn tortillas and fill them with the seared scallops. Top with the jalapeño slaw and a dollop of creamy avocado sauce.
These tacos are quick to make and perfect for a light meal. The mix of textures and flavors will please your taste buds.
Nutritional Benefits of Scallops
Scallops pack a nutritional punch with their high protein content and essential vitamins and minerals.
These seafood delicacies offer valuable health benefits while being low in calories and fat.
High-Quality Protein Source
Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This amount meets nearly half of your daily protein needs.
Protein helps build and repair muscles. It also keeps you feeling full longer. This can help with weight control.
Scallops contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs. These amino acids support various bodily functions. They help with tissue repair, immune health, and hormone production.
Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Scallops provide many important vitamins and minerals. They’re high in vitamin B12, which is crucial for brain function and red blood cell formation.
You’ll also get a good dose of selenium from scallops. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body. It helps protect your cells from damage.
Other key nutrients in scallops include:
- Zinc: Supports immune function
- Magnesium: Important for bone health
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Good for heart health
These nutrients work together to support your overall well-being. By adding scallops to your diet, you can boost your intake of these essential vitamins and minerals.
How to Select Fresh Scallops
Picking fresh scallops is key for tasty seafood dishes. Look for scallops that are firm and smell sweet. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor.
Identifying Freshness
Check the color of scallops when buying. Fresh ones are creamy white or light pink. Avoid scallops that look dull or have dark spots.
The meat should be slightly see-through and moist, not dry or flaky.
Touch the scallops if you can. They should feel firm and spring back when pressed. Slimy or mushy scallops are not fresh.
Smell the scallops. A fresh ocean scent is good. Don’t buy scallops that smell fishy or like ammonia.
Look at the liquid around the scallops. It should be clear, not cloudy or pink.
Difference Between Wet and Dry Scallops
Wet scallops are soaked in water and chemicals. This makes them absorb water and look bigger.
They often have a white, milky appearance. Dry scallops are not treated. They have a natural, off-white or pinkish color.
Dry scallops taste better and sear more easily. Check the label when buying. It should say if the scallops are wet or dry.
Dry scallops cost more but give better results when cooking. Wet scallops release more water when cooked.
This makes it hard to get a good sear. Dry scallops keep their flavor better during cooking.