Scallops are a tasty seafood option that can turn an everyday meal into something special. These small, sweet shellfish are quick to cook and take on flavors well. With the right recipe, you can make restaurant-quality scallop dishes at home.

You can find many easy scallop recipes that work for weeknight dinners or fancy occasions. From simple pan-seared scallops to pasta dishes and citrus-infused creations, there are lots of ways to enjoy this seafood. Whether you’re new to cooking scallops or looking for fresh ideas, these recipes can help you make delicious meals.

1. Garlic Butter Scallops

Garlic butter scallops are a quick and tasty seafood dish. You can make them in about 10 minutes.

Start by patting the scallops dry. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the scallops in the hot pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the scallops and set aside.

Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in some white wine or broth and let it simmer.

Return the scallops to the pan. Toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh parsley.

2. Lemon Herb Scallops

Lemon herb scallops are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. You’ll need scallops, butter, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Start by seasoning the scallops with salt and pepper. Cook them in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove the scallops and make the sauce. Add butter, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped herbs to the pan. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Pour the sauce over the scallops and serve right away. The bright lemon and herb flavors pair perfectly with the sweet, tender scallops.

3. Scallop Ceviche

Scallop ceviche is a refreshing dish that brings out the delicate flavor of scallops. You’ll love how easy it is to make.

Start by slicing fresh scallops thinly. Mix them with lime juice, orange juice, and a pinch of salt in a glass bowl.

Add diced green tomatoes, minced shallots, and a bit of jalapeño for heat. Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Before serving, toss in some cilantro and diced avocado. The citrus juices will “cook” the scallops, giving them a tender texture.

Serve your ceviche cold in small bowls or with chips. It’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer on a warm day.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious appetizer or main dish. You can make them easily in about 15 minutes.

To prepare, wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the scallops in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. They’re done when firm and opaque.

For extra flavor, try brushing them with a garlic butter mixture before cooking. You can also bake them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Serve these tasty morsels hot as an appetizer or with sides for a main course.

5. Scallop Risotto

Scallop risotto combines creamy rice with tender, succulent scallops. To make this dish, start by cooking Arborio rice in broth until it’s creamy and al dente.

While the risotto cooks, sear the scallops in a hot pan until they’re golden brown on both sides. This only takes a few minutes per side.

Add the seared scallops to your finished risotto along with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and butter. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.

For extra richness, try making a brown butter sauce to drizzle over the top. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet scallops and creamy rice.

6. Seared Scallops with Pesto

Seared scallops with pesto make a quick and fancy meal. You can cook this dish in under 20 minutes.

Start by searing sea scallops in a hot pan with olive oil. Cook them until they’re golden brown on each side.

For the sauce, mix store-bought or homemade pesto with a splash of cream. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your scallops.

Serve the scallops over the pesto cream sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. You can pair this dish with pasta or roasted veggies for a full meal.

This recipe works best with large sea scallops. It’s an easy way to make an impressive dinner for guests or a special night in.

7. Scallop Linguine

Scallop linguine combines tender scallops with long, flat pasta in a creamy sauce. To make this dish, sear the scallops first in a hot pan until golden brown.

In the same pan, create a sauce with garlic, shallots, and white wine. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Cook the linguine separately until al dente.

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and seared scallops. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color.

This elegant meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The rich sauce and sweet scallops pair beautifully with the linguine.

8. Scallop Carpaccio

Scallop carpaccio is a fresh, elegant dish that showcases the delicate flavor of raw scallops. To make it, you’ll need to slice very thin pieces of chilled scallops.

Arrange the scallop slices in a circular pattern on chilled plates. Drizzle with a light dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like tarragon.

You can add thinly sliced shallots pickled in vinegar for extra zing. Some recipes include capers, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.

For the best texture, chill the scallops in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to get ultra-thin, almost translucent slices.

Serve scallop carpaccio as an elegant appetizer. It pairs well with crisp white wines.

9. Miso-Glazed Scallops

Miso-glazed scallops offer a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. You can easily make this dish at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by mixing miso paste with mirin or sake to create a flavorful marinade. Coat your scallops in this mixture and let them sit for a short time.

Heat up a skillet or grill until it’s very hot. Cook the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side. They should develop a nice caramelized crust.

Serve your miso-glazed scallops over soba noodles or with sugar snap peas for a complete meal. The umami-rich miso glaze pairs perfectly with the tender, succulent scallops.

10. Scallop Tacos

Scallop tacos offer a tasty twist on classic fish tacos. To make them, sear scallops in a hot skillet for about a minute per side until they’re golden brown and opaque.

Season the scallops with salt and cumin for extra flavor. Warm corn tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle to make them soft and pliable.

Top your tacos with fresh toppings like mango salsa, avocado cream, or pineapple salsa. Add some shredded red cabbage for crunch.

These tacos are quick to make and perfect for a light meal. The sweet scallops pair well with bright, fruity salsas and creamy toppings.

11. Pan-Seared Scallops with White Wine Sauce

Pan-seared scallops with white wine sauce is a quick and tasty dish. You can make it in about 15 minutes. First, pat the scallops dry and season them with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a pan until it’s very hot. Add the scallops and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown. Take them out and set them aside.

To make the sauce, melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens a bit.

Put the scallops back in the pan to warm them up. Serve with crusty bread or over risotto for a filling meal.

12. Scallop and Shrimp Paella

Scallop and shrimp paella is a tasty seafood dish you can make at home. You’ll need scallops, shrimp, rice, broth, and spices.

Start by cooking onions, garlic, and peppers in oil. Add rice and broth, then let it simmer. While the rice cooks, season your seafood.

When the rice is almost done, add the scallops and shrimp. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. The dish is ready when the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Paella is great for sharing. Serve it straight from the pan for a fun meal with friends or family.

13. Coconut Curry Scallops

Coconut curry scallops offer a delicious blend of flavors. You’ll love the creamy coconut milk combined with aromatic spices.

To make this dish, start by sautéing ginger, garlic, and curry powder in oil. Add the scallops and cook for a few minutes until they’re lightly browned.

Pour in coconut milk and simmer gently. You can add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the scallops and curry sauce over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for freshness.

14. Grilled Scallops with Mango Salsa

Grilled scallops with mango salsa offer a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick meal.

Start by making the mango salsa. Mix diced mango, cucumber, shallot, and cilantro in a bowl. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

Prepare the scallops by rinsing them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Thread the scallops onto skewers for easy grilling.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re opaque and have nice grill marks.

Serve the grilled scallops with the mango salsa on top. This dish pairs well with rice or a light salad.

15. Scallop Chowder

Scallop chowder is a cozy, creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly days. You’ll love the tender scallops in a rich, flavorful broth.

Start by cooking bacon until crispy. Then sauté onions, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat for extra flavor. Add potatoes and cook until soft.

Pour in clam juice and chicken broth to form the base. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add the scallops and cook just until they turn opaque.

Finish the chowder with cream or milk to make it silky smooth. Season with herbs like thyme or dill for a fresh touch. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Health Benefits of Scallops

Scallops offer many health benefits. They are packed with nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional Value

Scallops are low in calories but high in protein. A 3-ounce serving has about 20 grams of protein and only 100 calories. They are also low in fat, with less than 1.5 grams per serving.

Scallops contain omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats may help lower your risk of heart disease. They can also reduce swelling in your body.

Scallops are a good source of magnesium and potassium. These minerals help keep your heart healthy. They also support proper nerve and muscle function.

Vitamins and Minerals

Scallops are rich in vitamin B12. This vitamin is key for making red blood cells and keeping your nervous system working well. A single serving of scallops can give you all the B12 you need for the day.

You’ll also find selenium in scallops. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body. It may help protect your cells from damage.

Scallops contain zinc, which is important for your immune system. Zinc also helps with wound healing and making proteins in your body.

Iron is another mineral found in scallops. It helps carry oxygen in your blood and is needed to make some hormones.

Cooking Techniques for Scallops

Scallops can be cooked in several ways to bring out their sweet, delicate flavor. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery. Here are three popular methods to prepare scallops.

Pan-Seared Scallops

Pan-searing is a quick and easy way to cook scallops. It gives them a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season them lightly with salt.

Heat a skillet over high heat and add a bit of oil. Once the pan is hot, add the scallops. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

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

Serve right away with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Grilled Scallops

Grilling adds a smoky flavor to scallops. It’s perfect for summer cookouts.

Preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Pat the scallops dry and season them with salt and pepper. You can also brush them with olive oil or melted butter.

Place the scallops on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they’re opaque and have nice grill marks.

Be careful not to overcook. Scallops can go from perfect to rubbery very quickly on the grill.

Baked Scallops

Baking is a gentle cooking method that works well for scallops. It’s great if you’re cooking a large batch.

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

You can top them with breadcrumbs, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor. A drizzle of butter or olive oil helps keep them moist.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch. If you’re using toppings, they should be golden brown.

This method is more forgiving than pan-searing or grilling. It’s a good choice for beginners.

How to Select Fresh Scallops

Choosing high-quality scallops ensures a delicious meal. Look for specific visual and smell cues to find the freshest ones. Proper storage extends their shelf life and maintains flavor.

Identifying Quality

Fresh scallops have a sweet, ocean-like smell. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor. The color should be creamy white or light pink. Steer clear of scallops with brown or yellow spots.

Check for firmness. Fresh scallops feel slightly springy when pressed. Mushy or slimy scallops are past their prime. Size matters too. Look for scallops that are similar in size for even cooking.

Dry-packed scallops are best for searing. They haven’t been treated with chemicals and have a better texture. Wet-packed scallops work well in soups and stews.

Storage Tips

Keep scallops cold. Put them in the fridge as soon as you get home. Use within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Store scallops in a sealed container on ice. Change the ice daily to keep them fresh. Don’t let them sit in melted ice water.

For longer storage, freeze scallops. Wrap them tightly in plastic and put them in a freezer bag. Use frozen scallops within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.