Scallops are a tasty seafood treat that can make any meal feel fancy. You can cook them in many ways to create delicious dishes at home.
From simple grilled scallops to rich sauces, there are lots of options to try.
These 15 scallop recipes will help you make restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen. You’ll find ideas for easy weeknight dinners and impressive dishes for guests.
With a few tips and tricks, you can learn to cook scallops perfectly every time.
1. Scallop Ceviche
Scallop ceviche is a fresh and zesty dish that’s perfect for warm days. To make it, you’ll need bay scallops, lime juice, orange juice, and a mix of diced vegetables.
Chop some tomatoes, shallots, and jalapeños. Mix them with the scallops and citrus juices in a glass bowl.
Add salt to taste.
Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The citrus will “cook” the scallops, making them tender and flavorful.
Before serving, you can add extras like cilantro or avocado. Serve your ceviche cold with tortilla chips or on a bed of lettuce for a light meal.
2. Garlic Butter Scallops
Garlic butter scallops are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. You can prepare them in just 15 minutes using a single skillet.
Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Place the scallops in the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque.
For extra flavor, you can add lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture. This adds a tangy kick to complement the rich, buttery taste.
Serve your garlic butter scallops hot, straight from the pan. They make a great main dish or appetizer for special occasions.
3. Lemon Herb Scallop Pasta
This dish combines tender scallops with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Cook your pasta until al dente.
While it’s cooking, pat the scallops dry and season them with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Toss the cooked pasta with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Add the seared scallops on top.
This meal is quick to make and perfect for a special dinner at home. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs complement the sweet, delicate taste of the scallops.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You only need three main ingredients: sea scallops, bacon, and lemon juice.
Start by cutting bacon strips in half. Wrap each half around a scallop and secure it with a toothpick. Season the wrapped scallops with salt and pepper.
Bake them in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is cooked.
For crispier bacon, you can partially cook it before wrapping the scallops.
Serve these delicious bites warm. They’re perfect for parties or as a special treat at home.
5. Seared Scallops with Pea Puree
This dish combines the sweet taste of scallops with a smooth pea puree. You’ll start by making the pea puree.
Boil peas in water with salt until they’re bright green and tender.
Blend the peas with some broth, sherry, and garlic until smooth. Set this aside while you cook the scallops.
For the scallops, season them with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot pan with oil until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Serve the scallops on top of the pea puree. Some recipes add extras like cumin foam or truffle oil for more flavor. This dish is great for special meals or when you want to impress your guests.
6. Scallop Risotto
Scallop risotto is a luxurious dish that combines creamy rice with tender, seared scallops. To make it, you’ll start by cooking Arborio rice slowly with broth and white wine.
Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest for extra flavor. Sear the scallops separately in a hot pan with butter until they’re golden brown.
Serve the scallops on top of the creamy risotto.
For added texture and taste, you can include sautéed mushrooms or asparagus in the dish.
This meal is perfect for a special dinner at home. It takes some time and attention to prepare, but the result is worth the effort.
7. Scallop and Shrimp Paella
Scallop and shrimp paella is a tasty twist on the classic Spanish dish. You’ll need a large pan or skillet to cook this flavorful meal.
Start by heating chicken stock in a separate pot. In your main pan, sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in oil. Add rice and saffron, then pour in the hot stock.
Cook the rice for about 8 minutes before adding the shrimp. Two minutes later, lower the heat and add pre-cooked scallops.
Let it simmer until most of the liquid is gone.
For a crispy bottom, increase the heat for the last couple of minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest before serving.
8. Grilled Scallops with Mango Salsa
Grilled scallops with mango salsa offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. To make this dish, start by preparing the mango salsa.
Mix diced mango, cucumber, shallot, and cilantro in a bowl. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
For the scallops, rinse them under cold water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop nice grill marks.
Serve the grilled scallops on a bed of the fresh mango salsa. This recipe is great for summer barbecues and pairs well with a crisp white wine. The combination of juicy scallops and fruity salsa creates a light, refreshing meal you’ll love.
9. Scallop and Corn Chowder
Scallop and corn chowder is a tasty soup that brings together sweet seafood and summer corn. You’ll start by cooking bacon until crisp, then set it aside for later.
Next, you’ll sauté leeks and celery in the bacon fat. Add potatoes and simmer until tender. Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
Finally, add scallops and corn kernels. Cook until the scallops are just done.
This chowder is creamy and satisfying, perfect for cooler evenings.
You can top your bowl with crumbled bacon for extra flavor and crunch. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
10. Scallop Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Scallop tacos offer a tasty twist on traditional seafood dishes. You can make these in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick meal.
Start by searing sea scallops in a hot pan for about 1-2 minutes per side. This gives them a golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
For the salsa, mix diced mango, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste. This fresh topping adds brightness to the tacos.
Serve the scallops on warm tortillas with a bed of cabbage slaw. Top with the avocado salsa for a burst of flavor. These tacos blend textures and tastes for a satisfying bite.
11. Scallops with White Wine Sauce
Scallops with white wine sauce is a quick and tasty dish you can make at home. Start by searing the scallops in a hot pan until golden brown on both sides.
Remove the scallops and make the sauce in the same pan. Melt butter, add garlic, and cook briefly.
Pour in white wine, lemon juice, and parsley.
Let the sauce simmer and reduce for a few minutes. Add the scallops back to warm them up. The result is tender scallops in a flavorful, rich sauce.
Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also goes well with creamy risotto or pasta.
12. Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Polenta
This dish combines tender scallops with creamy polenta for a luxurious meal. Start by making the polenta.
Boil salted water or broth, then slowly whisk in cornmeal to avoid lumps.
Cook the polenta on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, mix in Parmesan cheese and butter for extra flavor.
For the scallops, pat them dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet with butter until golden brown.
Remove the scallops and make a quick brown butter sauce in the same pan.
Serve the scallops over the cheesy polenta and drizzle with the brown butter sauce. This combination of flavors and textures will impress your taste buds.
13. Thai Chili Scallops
Thai chili scallops mix sweet and spicy flavors for a tasty seafood dish. You can make this recipe in about 10-15 minutes.
Start by pan-searing the scallops until golden brown. Then create a sauce with Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of orange juice.
Pour the sauce over the scallops and sprinkle with fresh Thai basil. Serve the scallops over greens or rice for a quick and flavorful meal.
This dish works great as an appetizer or main course. The mix of Thai ingredients gives the scallops an exciting flavor boost.
14. Scallop Carpaccio
Scallop carpaccio is a light, fresh dish that showcases the delicate flavor of raw scallops. To make it, you’ll need very fresh, high-quality sea scallops.
Slice the scallops thinly and arrange them on chilled plates. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
For extra flavor, top with finely sliced shallots that have been marinated in vinegar. You can also add halved cherry tomatoes, capers, and fresh herbs like basil, mint, or coriander.
Serve your scallop carpaccio immediately as a cool, elegant appetizer. It’s perfect for warm summer evenings or as a starter for a seafood dinner.
15. Teriyaki Scallops with Rice
Teriyaki scallops with rice is a quick and tasty meal. Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions.
While the rice cooks, prepare the scallops. Pat them dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 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.
Add teriyaki sauce to the pan and simmer briefly.
Return the scallops to the pan and coat with the sauce. Serve the glazed scallops over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped scallions for added flavor and color.
Cooking Techniques for Scallops
Scallops can be cooked in different ways to bring out their sweet flavor and tender texture. Two popular methods are pan-searing and grilling. Each technique creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside moist.
Pan-Seared Scallops
Pan-searing gives scallops a golden-brown crust and juicy center. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels
- Season with salt and pepper
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Place scallops in the hot pan, leaving space between them
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
Don’t move the scallops while cooking. This helps form a nice crust. The inside should be slightly translucent when done. Serve right away with lemon wedges.
Grilling Scallops
Grilling adds smoky flavor to scallops. Follow these steps:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Pat scallops dry and brush with oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Place scallops on the hot grill grates
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side
Look for grill marks and an opaque center. Don’t overcook, or they’ll become rubbery. Grilled scallops pair well with fresh salads and summer vegetables.
Selecting Fresh Scallops
Picking good scallops is key for tasty meals. Knowing what to look for and how to store them will help you get the best results.
Identifying Quality Scallops
Look for scallops with a fresh, sweet smell. They should not have a strong fishy odor. Good scallops are firm and moist, with a creamy white or light pink color. Avoid any that look dry or have brown spots.
Size matters too. Larger sea scallops are great for searing, while smaller bay scallops work well in pasta dishes or stews. Check that the scallops are similar in size so they cook evenly.
When buying, ask if the scallops are “dry” or “wet.” Dry scallops haven’t been treated with chemicals and are better for searing. Wet scallops may have added water weight.
Storing Scallops Properly
Keep scallops cold to keep them fresh. Put them in the fridge as soon as you get home.
Use a colander over a bowl and cover with ice. This lets any melted ice drain away from the scallops.
For short-term storage, wrap scallops in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Use them within 1-2 days for the best quality.
If you need to keep them longer, freeze scallops. Rinse and pat them dry first.
Then put them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.