15+ Scallop Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Scallops are a delicious seafood choice that can elevate any meal. Whether you prefer them seared, baked, or in a tasty sauce, there are various recipes to satisfy your cravings. They are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare at home.
In this article, you will discover different ways to cook scallops, each bringing out their unique taste. From simple techniques to more elaborate dishes, you can find something that fits your cooking style and impresses your guests. Enjoy trying new recipes and making scallops a regular feature in your kitchen!
1) Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
Pan-seared scallops with garlic butter are a delicious treat. They are easy to make and can be ready in about 10 minutes. The key is to get a nice golden crust on the scallops.
Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat. Add some oil and wait until it shimmers. Carefully place the scallops in the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Cook until golden brown, then flip them.
For the garlic butter, melt butter in the same pan and add minced garlic. Once it’s fragrant, pour the garlic butter over the scallops. This adds rich flavor and makes them even more tempting.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
- Add scallops to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Melt butter in the pan, then add garlic.
- Pour the garlic butter over the scallops and serve.
2) Baked Scallops with Parmesan Topping
Baked scallops with a Parmesan topping are a delicious choice for dinner. The creamy scallops pair perfectly with a crispy, cheesy crust. You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
To start, you’ll need fresh scallops. Dipping them in butter and garlic enhances their tasty flavor. Next, coat them with a mixture of panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan for that crunchy topping.
Bake the scallops at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Serve these delightful scallops with a squeeze of lemon on top to brighten up the flavors.
Ingredients
- Fresh scallops
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic.
- Dip each scallop in the butter mixture.
- Coat scallops with panko and Parmesan.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.
3) Scallops Meunière with Lemon Juice
Scallops Meunière is a simple yet delicious dish. You will sear the scallops, allowing them to become golden and crispy. The lemon juice adds a bright flavor that complements the richness of the scallops.
To begin, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your scallops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The key is to achieve that perfect golden color.
Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops. This will enhance the dish’s flavor. You can also add some lemon zest and chopped parsley for extra freshness.
This dish pairs well with a light salad or some sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Squeeze lemon juice over scallops.
- Add lemon zest and parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
4) Wasabi Pea Crusted Scallops
Wasabi pea crusted scallops are a tasty way to enjoy this seafood. The crunchy coating adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the tender scallops.
To make this dish, you will need to grind wasabi peas, mustard, and spices for the crust. Coat the scallops with this mixture for a delightful crunch.
Cook them in a hot pan until golden brown. Serve with a light sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 cup wasabi peas
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grind the wasabi peas, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns until fine.
- Coat the scallops in soy sauce and then in the wasabi mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
5) Scallops with Mango Purée Drizzle
Scallops with mango purée drizzle is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of mango with the savory flavor of scallops. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a tasty weeknight dinner.
To start, you’ll need fresh sea scallops. Make sure they are cleaned and dried well for a perfect sear. A hot skillet helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
For the mango purée, blend ripe mango with a splash of water until smooth. This will create a vibrant, flavorful drizzle that enhances the scallops.
You can serve the scallops atop a bed of wild grain rice with the mango purée drizzled around. Garnish with microgreens for an added touch.
Ingredients
- 1 medium size mango
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 cups of steamed wild grain rice
- 1 tablespoon of heavy crème
- ½ cup of microgreens
- Sea scallops (about 1 pound)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Blend the mango and water until smooth to make the purée.
- Plate the scallops with rice and drizzle the mango purée on top.
- Garnish with microgreens and serve.
6) Creamy Garlic White Wine Scallops
Creamy garlic white wine scallops make a delicious meal that is both tasty and quick to prepare. You’ll love how the tender scallops cook up in a rich sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh sea scallops for the best flavor. The combination of garlic, white wine, and cream creates a sauce that complements the scallops beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sea scallops
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Add scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove scallops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir well.
- Return scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
7) Scallop and Asparagus Stir-fry
Scallop and asparagus stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish. You can enjoy it for dinner or a special occasion. The flavors blend well, making it delicious.
To start, gather fresh scallops and crisp asparagus. You can also add garlic and sesame oil for extra flavor. This dish cooks fast, so it’s great for busy nights.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic, then add the asparagus. Cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the scallops and stir-fry until they turn opaque, about 4 minutes.
Serve it right away for the best taste. You will love how simple and full of flavor this dish is!
Ingredients
- ¾ lb. fresh asparagus
- ¾ lb. sea scallops, halved
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Soy sauce to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Fold in scallops and cook until opaque, about 4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce to taste and serve hot.
8) Blackened Scallops with Cajun Spice
Blackened scallops are a delicious way to enjoy seafood with bold flavor. The Cajun spice mix gives them a nice kick, making this dish great for any occasion.
To start, you will need fresh sea scallops. Coat them in a mixture of Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor. Cooking them in a hot skillet helps create a lovely crust.
Serve the scallops with a drizzle of melted butter or over rice for a satisfying meal. This dish is quick to prepare and always impresses.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 stick butter
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the scallops.
- Dredge the scallops in flour mixed with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are blackened.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
9) Scallops in a Cilantro Lime Marinade
Scallops in a cilantro lime marinade are delicious and packed with flavor. This dish combines the sweetness of scallops with zesty lime and fresh cilantro.
Start by marinating the scallops. Use a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt. Let them sit for about 15-30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Serve your scallops with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra lime wedge for a burst of freshness. They go well with rice or a light salad too.
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Add scallops and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
10) Honey Soy Glazed Scallops
Honey soy glazed scallops are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly, making it a great choice for dinner.
Start by marinating the scallops in a mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. This adds amazing flavor. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak up the marinade.
Once marinated, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Serve them hot for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) scallops
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Add scallops to the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
11) Grilled Scallops with Basil Pesto
Grilled scallops with basil pesto make a delicious and fresh dish. The sweetness of the scallops pairs well with the vibrant flavors of the pesto. This recipe is simple yet impressive.
To prepare, start by marinating your scallops in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This helps enhance their natural flavor.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
Grill the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden and just cooked through.
Serve the scallops drizzled with basil pesto. You’ll love the combination of tastes in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate scallops in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve topped with basil pesto.
12) Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sage
Seared scallops with brown butter sage is a delicious dish that highlights the rich flavor of scallops. You’ll love the crispy outside and tender inside, combined with the nutty taste of brown butter and the fragrance of fresh sage.
Start by seasoning the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat some brown butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot, carefully add the scallops in a single layer. Cook until they are golden brown on one side, then flip and add fresh sage to the pan.
Cook for a few more minutes until the scallops are finished. The sage will crisp up nicely in the butter, adding great flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Heat brown butter in a large pan over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Add scallops in a single layer.
- Cook until golden brown on one side, about 3 minutes.
- Flip scallops and add fresh sage.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until scallops are cooked through.
13) Scallops with a Spicy Sriracha Drizzle
For a quick and tasty dish, try scallops with a spicy Sriracha drizzle. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops while adding a kick.
Start by searing the scallops in a hot pan. Heat the pan to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C), adding a little oil. Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
While the scallops are cooking, mix Sriracha with honey and a splash of lime juice. This will create a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the sea delicacy.
Once cooked, drizzle the sauce over the scallops before serving. You can also garnish with fresh herbs for extra color and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound scallops
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Mix Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Drizzle the sauce over the cooked scallops.
- Garnish with herbs if desired. Serve hot.
14) Roasted Scallops with Brussels Sprouts
Roasted scallops with Brussels sprouts make a quick and delicious dish. It’s perfect for dinner or a fancy meal at home. The sweet flavor of the scallops pairs nicely with the slightly nutty taste of the Brussels sprouts.
To prepare, you can start by seasoning the scallops with salt and pepper. Then, roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven until they are tender and a bit crispy. Just a little olive oil enhances their flavor.
Finally, add the scallops for the last few minutes of cooking. They only need around 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to get that lovely golden brown color.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Add scallops to the baking sheet and roast for another 8-10 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
15) Ginger Scallops with Coconut Milk
Ginger scallops with coconut milk is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. The combination of ginger and coconut milk creates a rich sauce that enhances the tender scallops.
To start, you’ll want to rinse the scallops and pat them dry. A sprinkle of salt and pepper prepares them for cooking.
In a skillet, combine coconut milk, freshly grated ginger, and some lime juice for a zesty twist.
Once your sauce is ready, gently add the scallops. Cook them for just a few minutes on each side until they turn opaque. Serve this dish warm, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 lime (juice and zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the scallops and pat them dry.
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, combine coconut milk, grated ginger, and lime juice.
- Bring the mixture to a light simmer.
- Add the scallops to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque.