Scallops are a delicious and versatile seafood option that can elevate any meal from a quick weeknight dinner to an impressive date night feast. These tender shellfish cook quickly and pair wonderfully with a variety of flavors.
Scallops are perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. You can enjoy them pan-seared with lemon and bacon, as part of a pasta dish, or in a hearty chowder.
From simple appetizers to restaurant-worthy main courses, scallop recipes offer something for everyone. This collection features some of the best ways to prepare this nutritious seafood that will surely impress your family and guests.
1. Pan Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce
Pan seared scallops with garlic butter sauce is a quick, impressive dish you can make in just 10 minutes. Large sea scallops develop a perfect golden crust when cooked properly.
Get your pan hot before adding the scallops to create beautiful caramelization and flavor. The garlic butter sauce is simple but adds rich flavor.
You’ll need butter, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten everything up. Serve these succulent scallops over pasta for a complete meal.
2. Baked Sea Scallops with Shallots and Herbs
Baked sea scallops offer a delicious alternative to pan-searing. This elegant dish combines large sea scallops with aromatic shallots and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Place your scallops in a baking dish with melted butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped shallots. The shallots add a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the scallops.
Top the scallops with a mixture of bread crumbs and herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives. Bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
Serve these baked scallops as an impressive appetizer or alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Scallop Scampi with Lemon and Parsley
Scallop Scampi offers a delicious twist on the classic shrimp version. This elegant dish combines sweet, tender scallops with a flavorful sauce of butter, garlic, and white wine.
You can have this dish ready in less than 10 minutes. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely chopped parsley brighten the flavors.
The combination of butter, lemon, and garlic creates a decadent sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the scallops. Serve your scallop scampi over linguine for a complete meal.
4. Creamy Garlic White Wine Scallops
This elegant dish combines perfectly seared scallops with a rich, creamy sauce. Pan-fry the scallops until they develop a golden crust while maintaining a soft interior.
The sauce blends minced garlic, dry white wine, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Some recipes add butter for richness and a silky texture.
The creamy garlic white wine sauce works wonderfully with the delicate flavor of the scallops.
5. Seared Sea Scallops with Herb Butter
Seared sea scallops with herb butter is a simple yet elegant dish you can make in just 10 minutes. The key is getting a perfect golden crust on the scallops while keeping them tender inside.
Pat your scallops dry with paper towels to help them sear properly. Heat your pan until it’s very hot, then add the scallops.
Cook for about 90 seconds on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 30-45 seconds.
Finish with a simple herb butter sauce. Mix butter with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a decadent finish that enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness.
6. Scallops Provencal with Tomatoes and Olives
Scallops Provencal combines the delicate sweetness of scallops with bright Mediterranean flavors. This classic French dish features scallops lightly dredged in flour and pan-seared to golden perfection.
You’ll need fresh sea scallops, shallots, garlic, dry white wine, and a mix of tomatoes, olives, and capers for that distinctive Provencal taste. The scallops cook quickly, making this an impressive yet speedy dinner option.
Pat your scallops dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear. The sauce comes together in minutes, creating a light yet flavorful complement to the tender scallops.
7. Spicy Cajun Blackened Scallops
Blackened scallops pack a spicy punch with Cajun seasoning while maintaining the scallop’s natural sweetness. This dish takes only about 10 minutes to prepare.
Start with dry scallops and a very hot cast-iron skillet. Pat the scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful sear.
Serve these spicy scallops with a cooling element like honey butter or a Cajun mustard cream sauce. This creates a delicious balance against the heat of the blackened seasoning.
8. Scallop and Mushroom Risotto
Scallop and Mushroom Risotto combines creamy arborio rice with plump, perfectly seared scallops for an elegant meal. This dish pairs the earthy flavor of cremini mushrooms with delicate seafood.
Sauté mushrooms and slowly add broth to your rice until it reaches a creamy consistency. Season your scallops with salt and pepper before searing them in a hot pan with olive oil and butter.
Cook your scallops undisturbed for about 5 minutes to achieve a golden caramelized exterior. Serve the scallops over the creamy parmesan mushroom risotto for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
9. Honey Garlic Glazed Scallops
Honey Garlic Glazed Scallops combine sweet and savory flavors in a dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Sear the scallops until golden brown, then coat them in a sticky, flavorful glaze.
The sauce blends honey, garlic, and butter to create a perfect balance that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. Some recipes add a touch of spice for an extra kick.
Serve these glazed scallops with rice and steamed vegetables like broccoli for a light, healthy dinner.
10. Scallops Meunière with Brown Butter
Scallops Meunière is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural sweetness of scallops. The classic French preparation involves a light dusting of flour and a quick sear in a hot pan.
Add brown butter to develop a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the scallops. Remove the small side muscle from each scallop and season them lightly.
Preheat your pan for about 2 minutes before adding oil. Sear the scallops for just 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Finish with browned butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and some chopped herbs.
11. Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Scallops
These Asian-inspired scallops bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in just minutes. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar creates a perfectly balanced sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of scallops.
Pan-sear the scallops until golden on the outside while remaining tender inside. You can prepare them in about 5-10 minutes.
Serve these scallops over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. The sauce works wonderfully with the delicate flavor of the scallops.
12. Grilled Scallops with Lemon Aioli
Grilled scallops offer a delicious seafood option that’s quick to prepare yet impressive to serve. The key to perfect grilled scallops is cooking them just until they’re opaque and slightly firm.
For the lemon aioli, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Some recipes add pimentón (Spanish smoked paprika) for a subtle smoky flavor.
Grill scallops on skewers or in a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Pair them with a peppery arugula salad for a complete meal.
13. Scallops with Pea Puree and Crispy Pancetta
This elegant dish combines perfectly seared scallops with a creamy pea puree and crispy pancetta. The contrast between the sweet scallops and salty pancetta creates a delightful flavor balance.
Sear the scallops until they develop a golden crust while keeping their tender center. The vibrant pea puree serves as a smooth bed for your scallops.
The crispy pancetta adds a satisfying crunch and rich flavor to complete the dish. Arrange three scallops over the pea puree and top with pancetta slices.
This recipe looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly simple to make. It works beautifully as an elegant starter or a light main course.
14. Seared Scallops with Champagne Sauce
This elegant dish combines tender, plump scallops with a luxurious champagne cream sauce. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes.
Sear the scallops until they’re perfectly golden on the outside while remaining tender inside. Pat them dry before cooking to get that beautiful caramelization.
The champagne sauce brings a rich, velvety texture and refined flavor. It’s made with champagne, cream, and butter for a smooth finish that complements the scallops.
This recipe works well as both a special occasion appetizer or main course.
15. Scallop and Bacon Skewers
Scallop and bacon skewers offer a perfect combination of flavors that’s hard to resist. The sweet, tender scallops wrapped in salty, crispy bacon create a delicious contrast in every bite.
Prepare these skewers in under 30 minutes. Wrap fresh sea scallops in thick-cut bacon and secure with toothpicks or skewers.
Grill the skewers for just a few minutes on each side until the bacon crisps and the scallops turn opaque. You can also bake them in the oven if grilling isn’t an option.
For extra flavor, brush them with a seasoning mix before cooking.
16. Scallop Ceviche with Citrus and Avocado
Scallop ceviche offers a refreshing, no-cook appetizer perfect for warm days. The dish features scallops “cooked” in citrus juices rather than with heat.
Marinate fresh scallops in a mixture of lime, lemon, and orange juices for about an hour. The citrus acids transform the raw scallops into a tender, flavorful protein.
Add diced cucumber, red onion, and chili peppers for crunch and heat. Just before serving, fold in fresh diced avocado and tomatoes for creaminess and color.
This light, bright dish works well as a starter or light meal. It’s naturally gluten-free and fits into paleo eating plans.
17. Parmesan Crusted Scallops
Parmesan crusted scallops offer a perfect blend of seafood and cheesy goodness. These treats feature a golden-brown crust made from Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
Coat scallops with a mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch), and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The preparation is quick and easy.
Simply coat your scallops in the Parmesan mixture. Grill or broil until they reach a golden-brown finish, which takes only 10-15 minutes.
These scallops are protein-rich and filling. They make an excellent choice for a special dinner.
18. Thai Coconut Curry Scallops
Thai Coconut Curry Scallops combine the delicate sweetness of scallops with the aromatic flavors of Thai curry. This dish features large sea scallops seared to perfection, then bathed in a fragrant coconut curry broth.
The sauce includes coconut milk, lime juice, turmeric, and curry powder. Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and shallots add depth of flavor.
Ladle the coconut curry broth into a shallow bowl and arrange the seared scallops on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful curry sauce.
19. Scallops with Basil Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
This dish combines perfectly seared sea scallops with vibrant basil pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes. Season scallops with salt and pepper before searing them undisturbed for about 2 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
Roast or blister cherry tomatoes with a pinch of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. This creates a lovely contrast to the savory scallops.
Warm pesto in the same pan used for searing the scallops to capture all the flavors. Arrange the scallops on a plate, spoon the pesto around them, and add the blistered tomatoes for a colorful, restaurant-quality meal.
20. Scallop and Corn Chowder
Scallop and corn chowder combines tender scallops with sweet corn in a creamy, comforting base. This dish balances richness with light seafood flavors.
Bacon adds a smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the scallops and corn. Red onion and celery create a flavorful foundation.
Cook scallops in the pan without crowding them. This helps them develop a golden brown crust, usually taking about two minutes per side.
Some versions include crispy jalapeños as a garnish for added texture and heat. This chowder is both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare.
21. Roasted Scallops with Garlic and Thyme
Roasted scallops offer a delicious alternative to the popular pan-searing method. The oven cooks these delicate seafood morsels evenly while maintaining their natural sweetness.
For this recipe, use fresh sea scallops, minced garlic, fresh thyme, butter, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. Garlic and thyme create a fragrant combination that enhances the scallops without overpowering them.
Preheat your oven to 425°F before placing the seasoned scallops on a baking sheet. They need about 8-10 minutes to cook perfectly.
You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and feel slightly firm to the touch.
How to Select and Store Scallops
Selecting quality scallops and storing them properly ensures you get the best flavor and texture in your dishes. These techniques help you avoid common pitfalls and preserve freshness.
Choosing Fresh vs. Frozen Scallops
When shopping for scallops, look for ones that have a slightly off-white or ivory color. Pure white scallops often indicate they’ve been soaking in water, which dilutes their flavor and affects texture.
Fresh scallops should have a sweet, oceanic smell without any fishy odor. Dry-packed scallops are preferable to wet-packed ones.
Dry-packed scallops haven’t been treated with chemicals and will sear better. They’re typically labeled as “dry” or “chemical-free.”
Frozen scallops are a convenient alternative to fresh. High-quality frozen scallops can be nearly as good as fresh when properly handled.
When buying frozen, check for packages without visible ice crystals, which indicate freezer burn.
Proper Storage Techniques
Use fresh scallops within 1-2 days of purchase. Store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back of the bottom shelf.
Place scallops in a container with a lid and cover them with a damp paper towel. Never store scallops in water as they will absorb it and become waterlogged.
Keep frozen scallops in their original packaging in the freezer until ready to use. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature or under running water.
Pat scallops dry with paper towels before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear, especially with previously frozen scallops which release more moisture.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Scallops
Mastering scallops requires attention to a few critical details. Proper preparation and cooking technique help you achieve that coveted golden crust while maintaining a tender, juicy center.
Pan-Searing Basics
Take scallops out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly.
Rinse scallops under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them extremely dry with paper towels.
Choose a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron or stainless steel and heat it until very hot. Add a high-heat oil like avocado oil, just enough to coat the bottom.
Season scallops just before cooking with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot pan with space between each scallop.
Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. They should release easily from the pan when ready to flip.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t overcook your scallops. They need only 2-3 minutes total cooking time.
When done, scallops should be firm but still slightly translucent in the center. Overcooked scallops become tough and rubbery.
Let scallops develop a crust before flipping them just once. Avoid moving them around in the pan.
Handle marinades with care. Scallops are delicate and can “cook” in acidic marinades like lemon juice.
If you use a marinade, keep it brief—15 minutes maximum. This helps preserve their texture.
Choose “dry” or “natural” scallops that haven’t been processed with preservatives. “Wet” scallops treated with chemicals don’t sear as well.
Finish with a pat of butter in the last 30 seconds. This adds extra flavor and gives a beautiful glaze.
