Scallops are a seafood gem that can turn any meal into a special occasion. Their tender texture and sweet, mild flavor make them a favorite among seafood lovers.
You can prepare scallops in countless ways – from simple pan-seared recipes with butter and garlic to more complex dishes featuring creative sauces and accompaniments.
Finding delicious scallop recipes doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or a quick weeknight meal, scallops cook in minutes and pair well with many flavors.
From classic preparations like Scallops Grenobloise to modern twists featuring pomegranate or citrus, these versatile shellfish can be the star of appetizers, main courses, and even ceviches.
1. Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
Pan-seared scallops with garlic butter is a quick and elegant dish you can prepare in just 10 minutes. The secret to perfect scallops is achieving a golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Start by patting your sea scallops dry with paper towels.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
Place scallops in the pan without crowding them and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
Once they’re browned, add butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon zest to create a rich sauce.
This simple recipe creates restaurant-quality scallops right at home. Serve them over pasta for a complete meal.
2. Baked Sea Scallops with Parmesan Crust
Baked sea scallops with a Parmesan crust offer a delicious way to enjoy this seafood delicacy. These scallops are topped with a crunchy mixture of panko bread crumbs and fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
The preparation is straightforward and takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
You’ll need sea scallops, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, and lemon juice for this recipe.
Clean and pat dry your scallops before baking them. The golden-brown topping becomes perfectly crisp after just 10-15 minutes in the oven. Some recipes add fresh parsley for color and flavor.
This elegant dish pairs the natural sweetness of scallops with savory garlic butter and cheese for a truly memorable meal.
3. Scallops Provencal
Scallops Provencal is a classic French dish that combines tender scallops with a garlicky, buttery sauce. You can make this elegant recipe with either bay scallops or sea scallops.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need fresh scallops, flour for dredging, butter, olive oil, minced shallots, and garlic.
The scallops are lightly dredged in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
The sauce features simple ingredients that create rich flavor. After cooking the scallops until golden, you’ll make a sauce in the same pan, combining the scallop flavors with aromatics.
This versatile recipe works well with other seafood too. The simple sauce pairs beautifully with almost any fish.
4. Lemon Butter Scallops
Lemon butter scallops are a quick and fancy dish you can prepare in just 10 minutes. They need only five basic ingredients to create an impressive meal.
The magic happens when scallops develop a caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender, delicate interior. The contrast in textures makes this dish special.
The sauce is simple but flavorful. After searing the scallops, you make a sauce in the same pan using lemon, butter, and garlic. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.
You’ll love how the bright acidity of lemon balances the richness of butter in this easy yet elegant seafood dish.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops combine the sweet flavor of sea scallops with the savory crunch of bacon for an elegant appetizer or main dish.
To make them, simply wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Many recipes suggest cooking them in a 425°F oven until the bacon is crisp.
For extra flavor, try adding Cajun seasoning or a simple mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder before cooking.
Pat your scallops dry with paper towels first for the best results. Serve with fresh lemon wedges to brighten up the rich flavors.
6. Scallops with White Wine Sauce
Scallops with white wine sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. The sauce combines dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, and butter to create a light, flavorful complement to the scallops.
To prepare this dish, sear sea scallops on each side for about 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Then add minced garlic and butter to the pan.
While cooking, baste the scallops with the sauce using a spoon. This helps them absorb the flavors while keeping them moist and tender.
You can serve these scallops over pasta or with vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy, garlicky sauce works wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the scallops.
7. Spicy Sriracha Scallops
Spicy Sriracha scallops bring heat and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The sweet, tender scallops pair perfectly with the hot, tangy kick of Sriracha sauce.
To make this dish, sear your scallops in a hot pan until they develop a caramelized crust. The key is getting them dry before cooking and not moving them too soon.
For the sauce, deglaze the pan with a bit of liquid, then add Sriracha and butter. Some recipes create a Sriracha beurre blanc for a more sophisticated flavor.
You can serve these spicy scallops over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that’s impressive yet quick to prepare.
8. Herb-Crusted Scallops
Herb-crusted scallops offer a delightful combination of tender seafood with a flavorful crust. The herbs provide a fresh contrast to the sweet, buttery flavor of the scallops.
You can use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives mixed with panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crust. This coating adds a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the delicate scallop.
For best results, pat your scallops dry before coating them. This ensures the crust adheres properly and helps achieve a golden-brown finish when baked.
Serve these herb-crusted scallops with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. They make an impressive yet simple dinner option for guests or a special meal.
9. Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa
Seared scallops with mango salsa combine elegant seafood with tropical flavors for an impressive yet simple dish. You can prepare this light meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinners.
The key is achieving that golden-brown crust on your jumbo scallops while keeping them juicy inside. Pair them with coconut rice for a complete island-style experience.
For the salsa, combine diced mango with ingredients like jalapeño, green onion, and lime juice. Some versions add avocado for creaminess.
The bright, fresh salsa complements the rich scallops beautifully. This dish offers about 189 calories per serving, making it a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
10. Sauteed Scallops with Spinach
Sauteed scallops with spinach offers a quick and delicious dinner option that looks fancy but comes together in minutes. The key is searing your scallops over high heat until they develop a golden-brown crust while keeping their center tender.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season your scallops with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for color and flavor before adding them to the hot pan.
Cook the scallops for about 2 minutes per side until golden. Then add garlic and spinach to the same pan, allowing the greens to wilt in the flavorful pan juices. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish.
Serve this combination over pasta for a complete meal or alone for a low-carb option.
11. Scallop Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Scallop scampi offers a delicious twist on the classic shrimp dish. You’ll love how the sweet, tender scallops pair with delicate angel hair pasta.
Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, heat butter in a large pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add your sea scallops (patted dry) to the hot pan and cook until golden. For extra flavor, add white wine, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of Romano cheese to create a light, flavorful sauce.
Combine your drained pasta with the scallops and sauce. This quick meal brings restaurant quality flavor to your dinner table in minutes.
12. Butter-Basted Scallops with Thyme
Butter-basting gives scallops a rich flavor and perfect texture. The technique is simple but creates restaurant-quality results.
First, pat your scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet until very hot before adding the scallops.
Cook until the bottom side is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip them over and add butter, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan.
As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the scallops with the flavored butter. The thyme infuses the butter with an aromatic quality that complements the sweet flavor of the scallops.
13. Scallops with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Scallops with creamy pesto sauce makes an elegant dish that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. The rich herbal notes of the pesto blend perfectly with the delicate sweetness of properly seared scallops.
Start by seasoning your scallops with salt and pepper before searing them in a hot pan for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. The key is to get a nice crust while keeping the center tender.
For the sauce, combine basil pesto with a touch of cream.
You can serve this delicious combination over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
This impressive dish takes just minutes to make but tastes like something from a fine restaurant.
14. Grilled Scallops with Lime and Cilantro
Grilled scallops with lime and cilantro offer a fresh, zesty flavor profile that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of citrus and herbs complements the natural sweetness of scallops beautifully.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need large sea scallops, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and basic seasonings. Some recipes add soy sauce or chile flakes for extra depth.
Start by marinating your scallops in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper before grilling.
Grill the scallops over medium-high heat until they’re perfectly seared on the outside and just cooked through inside. Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
15. Caramelized Scallops with Balsamic Reduction
These caramelized scallops deliver amazing flavor with minimal effort.
Start by patting your scallops completely dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
The secret is getting your pan really hot before adding the scallops. This creates that perfect golden-brown crust that gives them their caramelized flavor.
While the scallops rest, make a quick balsamic reduction with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of brown sugar.
This sweet-tangy glaze perfectly complements the scallops’ natural sweetness.
Serve your caramelized scallops on a drizzle of the balsamic reduction for an elegant dish that looks and tastes impressive.
16. Scallops in Ginger Soy Glaze
Scallops in ginger soy glaze offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The combination of fresh ginger, soy sauce, and butter creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats each scallop beautifully.
To prepare this dish, start with high-quality scallops, preferably U-10 size for a meatier bite.
Pat them dry thoroughly before searing to achieve that perfect golden crust.
The sauce comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Chopped fresh ginger, scallions, butter, and tamari or soy sauce form the base of this delicious glaze.
When cooked properly, these scallops become tender and smooth, practically melting in your mouth while the sauce adds complexity and depth.
17. Miso-Glazed Scallops
Miso-glazed scallops offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
The miso paste creates a delicious caramelized crust when seared.
To prepare this dish, coat your scallops with a mixture of white miso, mirin, and a touch of sugar.
Place them sugar-side down in a hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes without touching.
These scallops pair wonderfully with soba noodles for a Japanese-inspired meal. You can also serve them over miso butter linguine for a rich, umami-packed dinner.
The slightly sweet and salty miso glaze transforms ordinary scallops into an impressive appetizer or main course. They cook quickly, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
18. Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Pan-seared scallops with roasted red pepper sauce combine sweet seafood with smoky, tangy flavors. This elegant dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for special dinners.
To make this recipe, you’ll need to caramelize your scallops to get a perfect golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The sauce is made from charred red peppers that are blended into a smooth coulis.
You can prepare this dish using either a gas or charcoal grill for the peppers, or roast them in your oven.
The bright red sauce creates a beautiful presentation against the white scallops, making this an impressive plate that’s actually simple to create.
19. Sesame Crusted Scallops
Sesame crusted scallops bring a delightful crunch to these tender seafood morsels.
Before cooking, pat your scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.
Coat your scallops in a simple mixture of sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. The seeds create a flavorful crust that complements the scallops’ natural sweetness.
For best results, cook them in a hot pan with a combination of butter and oil. This gives you that golden-brown exterior while maintaining their juicy interior.
Try serving with an Asian-inspired sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and a touch of sesame oil for an elegant yet simple dinner option.
20. Cajun Spiced Scallops
Cajun spiced scallops offer a perfect balance of heat and seafood sweetness.
These scallops are typically coated with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for that signature Cajun kick.
For best results, pat your scallops completely dry before seasoning. This helps create that beautiful golden sear when they hit the hot pan with olive oil.
Many recipes pair these spicy scallops with a creamy sauce that balances the heat. Try a Cajun mustard cream sauce or a spicy Cajun cream sauce to complement the seafood.
This dish works well as an impressive appetizer or as part of a light meal when served with vegetables or rice.
21. Tarragon Chevre Scallops
Tarragon Chevre Scallops combine the delicate seafood with creamy goat cheese and fresh tarragon for a sophisticated dish.
This recipe takes the common pairing of scallops and tarragon to a new level by adding tangy chevre.
Start by patting your scallops dry to ensure a perfect sear. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before cooking in hot olive oil for about 2 minutes per side.
For the sauce, combine melted butter, minced tarragon, and crumbled chevre. The herbs complement the sweetness of the scallops while the cheese adds richness.
Serve these scallops as an elegant main course or impressive appetizer. They cook quickly, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Cooking Techniques for Scallops
Mastering scallop cooking techniques is essential for bringing out their sweet flavor and achieving the perfect texture.
The right approach can transform these delicate shellfish into a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Searing Scallops Perfectly
Start by patting your scallops completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as moisture prevents proper searing.
Season with salt and pepper right before cooking – not earlier, as salt draws out moisture.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan until very hot, then add a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point.
Place scallops in the pan without crowding them, leaving at least an inch between each one.
The key to that golden crust? Don’t move the scallops for 1.5-2 minutes. They should release easily when properly seared.
Flip once and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add a small pat of butter at the end for richness.
Perfect timing: Look for opaque sides with a slightly translucent center – they’ll continue cooking briefly after removal.
Grilling Essentials
Grilling adds smoky flavor that complements scallops’ natural sweetness.
Choose larger sea scallops for grilling as they’re easier to handle and won’t fall through the grates.
Skewers make turning easier – soak wooden ones for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
Brush scallops lightly with olive oil and season simply with salt and pepper.
Heat your grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
Place scallops directly on the grill or on skewers.
Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully – scallops cook quickly!
They’re done when they feel slightly firm but still have some give when pressed.
Try basting with garlic butter during the last minute for extra flavor. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the smoky notes.
Pairing Scallops with Sauces
The right sauce can transform scallops from simple seafood to an extraordinary dish.
Sauces add moisture, flavor, and visual appeal while complementing the scallops’ natural sweetness.
Classic Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a timeless companion for scallops that enhances their delicate flavor without overpowering them.
To make this sauce, combine melted butter with fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a touch of minced garlic.
For best results, use unsalted butter and add salt gradually to control the seasoning.
The acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness of both the butter and scallops, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
Try adding a tablespoon of white wine or a sprinkle of capers for extra depth.
When serving, drizzle the warm sauce over seared scallops just before plating to preserve the bright flavors.
Bold Herb Infusions
Herb-infused sauces offer a fresh dimension to scallop dishes.
Popular herbs that pair well include chives, dill, tarragon, and parsley – each lending their unique character to the sauce.
For a quick herb sauce, blend your chosen herbs with olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
This creates a vibrant green sauce that looks stunning against the white scallops.
Alternatively, try a creamy herb sauce using heavy cream, shallots, and white wine as the base.
Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in freshly chopped herbs at the last minute to preserve their color and flavor.
Herbs also work wonderfully in butter-based emulsions.
Simply melt butter with minced shallots, then add your herbs and a splash of citrus for brightness.
