If you’ve only tried scallops at restaurants, you’re missing out on some tasty home cooking. These succulent, buttery delicacies are remarkably easy to cook and don’t take much to season. Of course, you can also make fancy recipes with them, too. Lemon butter scallops are a flawless match. Then there are bacon-wrapped scallops when you’ve got company. There are also a bunch of adventurous and home-style dishes here to cover all your bases. So stop by the seafood counter on your way home and pick up some scallops. This mouthwatering list will have you wanting nothing else!
1. Lemon Butter Scallops
Looking for a recipe to showcase what scallops taste like? A little lemon butter is all you’ll need. These juicy scallops are oozing with flavor, and all it takes is 15 minutes to prepare them. The rich, garlic citrus butter intensifies their flavor without distracting from the greatness of the naturally sweet taste of scallops.
2. Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Pasta can never be mundane when you have succulent scallops in the mix. This quick seafood dinner feels like luxury, and it’s a cinch to make. I love the burst of juicy cherry tomatoes and the fact these morsels simmer in white wine. The whole thing will take you about 20 minutes tops. For weeknight meals or classy dinner parties, this seafood pasta dinner is the way to go.
3. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
This recipe tops the charts when it comes to creamy seafood dishes! Scallops are swimming in a rich, garlicky, and creamy white wine sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Before you add them to the sauce, give them a sear for a couple of minutes. That way, they’ll get a gorgeous crispy layer and are perfectly cooked on the inside.
4. Seared Scallops with Creamy Bacon Grits
Do you love shrimp and grits? Try it with scallops. This southern-inspired meal is fresh and comforting. Each tender scallop rests on top of creamy grits with bacon and onions cooked in the bacon grease. While it’s optional, I like to add some parmesan cheese to my grits.
5. Spicy Coconut Curry Scallops
There’s a smorgasbord of seafood you can throw into a curry. I like to save scallops for when I feel like spoiling myself. The base is the standard coconut milk while the twist is in the coconut curry paste. It’s spicy, creamy, and savory, which are all the things I want on a chilly day.
6. Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Need a seafood appetizer for your soiree? These bacon-wrapped scallops will be the talk of the party. You can throw them together in a snap and prepare other dishes while they’re baking in the oven. Be sure to clean your scallops well before wrapping them in bacon. Otherwise, you might get an unpleasant surprise in the form of sandy grit.
7. Herbed Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemony Feta Dressing
This recipe has special occasions written all over it. The fresh herbs and lemon zest add a little zip to the buttery scallops. Feta and green olives are the perfect addition to add a bit more bite. Toss in some chunks of bread and this dish is ready to wow your guests.
8. Pan Seared Scallops for Tacos
I’m a sucker for fresh seafood tacos, and these are a real treat. They’re so fresh, you’ll feel like you have sand beneath your feet and crystal clear blue water right in front of you. A quick pan sear, some avocado slices, a hint of lime, and a warm tortilla is all you’ll need.
9. Seared Scallops with Creamy Corn and Bacon
This is a great recipe for when you want comfort food with a special twist. You’ll make a creamy, buttery corn mash with bits of salty bacon to make it even richer. Then, top it with enough large scallops to fill your hungry belly.
10. Scallop Pesto Pasta with Perfectly Seared Sea Scallops & Kale Pesto
Another one of my favorite ways to make seafood pasta is to coat everything in pesto and toss some scallops in the mix. Pine nuts are a great garnish to add a little extra bite. You can also try this with roasted cherry tomatoes or roasted red bell peppers to add a sweet, charred flavor for more complexity.
11. Beer Brined Balsamic Glazed Scallops Over Avocado Caprese Salad
Now, this is how you do a show-stopping salad! The scallops marinate in a sweet and tangy beer for half a day to soak up all the flavors. Come time to serve them, you’ll place them over a bed of Caprese with some avocado in the mix. Add more balsamic if you like, but these scallops are packed with flavor!
12. Grilled Scallops with Meyer Lemon Salsa Verde
This recipe might sound a little fancy, but it couldn’t be any easier to toss together. Meyer lemons are best because they’re very juicy, citrus-tasting, and a little sweet. Blend them up with some fresh herbs and garlic for a quick salsa verde, then pour it on top of grilled scallops.
13. Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs with Honey-Ginger Glaze
Speaking of grilled scallops, this is another excellent recipe for a barbecue. The sweet citrus glaze is a phenomenal touch and takes very little effort. Careful not to overcook the scallops. Otherwise, they’ll turn out rubbery.
14. Scallop Chowder
Of course, you can use scallops to make chowder, too. Aside from the scallops, the creamy base has a splash of clam juice to enhance the chowder. Meanwhile, potatoes, corn, and bacon help to thicken it while adding more oomph.
15. Thai Sweet Chili and Orange Scallops
These Thai-style scallops are spicy, sweet, citrusy, and savory all at the same time. They’ll take about 20 minutes so you can whip this up any night of the week. If you need a bit more substance, get a pot of white rice going while you prep the scallops.
16. Baked Scallops with Butter and Parmesan
If you’re thinking about baking scallops instead, this is a great way to do it. You’ll line scallops in a casserole pan, then top with a citrusy, spicy, buttery mix. Once it melts, the scallops will be drenched with all that goodness.
17. Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Pasta
This pasta is the definition of light and fresh! The sauce is a delightful creation featuring white wine, butter, and lemon. There’s also a handful of capers to add a salty pop. This pairs perfectly with the angel hair pasta and scallops if you ask me. The only thing I might add is a pinch of red pepper chili flakes.
18. Honey Garlic Butter Scallops
These sweet morsels are easier to whip up than you may think. With just seven ingredients, you can have these soft and chewy scallops ready on the table. They’ll need to marinate for a bit, but cooking takes only a handful of minutes. I think this will go well with some other Asian side dishes like steamed bok choy and white rice.
19. Honey Sriracha Scallops
Love the combination of sweet and spicy? Then you’ll want to try this. You’ll simmer scallops in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. It’s simple and yet completely irresistible.
20. Creamy Mozzarella Scallop Pasta
Tender pasta and delicate scallops are a foolproof combination. If you want to up the ante, pair them with this creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and mozzarella cheese.
21. Scallops Piccata
Scallops don’t take long to cook. However, if you need something super quick, you can’t beat this 5-minute recipe. Give the scallops a fast sear on each side, then deglaze the pan. It doesn’t take anything fancy, just a good splash of broth and a hint of lemon to pour on top.
22. Seared Scallops with Orange Rum Sauce
Cooking scallops is fun when you add some rum into the mix. Pat your scallops dry, then give them a golden brown sear. Then you can make the delectable rum sauce to top them off.
23. Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
This pasta is a seafood lover’s dream! It’s full of succulent scallops and juicy shrimp sauteed in white wine and butter. The reason why white wine and butter are so great with scallops is that the first adds acidity while both make them rich.
24. Shrimp and Scallops a La Mexicana
Now, this is what I call a fiesta in a bowl! This vivacious Mexican dish is a winning combination of large shrimp and bay scallops in a spicy tomato sauce. For the garnish, don’t forget the cilantro and lime. It wouldn’t be a Mexican recipe without it.
25. Seared Scallops with Hazelnut Butter & Mascarpone
Say hello to your new favorite holiday recipe! The creamy mascarpone and rich toasted hazelnut brown butter are already great enough. Add in the mild sweetness and tenderness of scallops and you have a remarkably unique, unforgettable dish.
26. Seared Scallops with Avocado Cream
This is another classy way to prepare scallops. You’ll take perfectly seared scallops and match them with super fresh and creamy avocado cream. For the garnish, you won’t need to add in all that much. A simple sprinkle of crunchy radishes and green onions will do.
27. Quick And Simple Scallop Crudo
Not everyone is into eating raw fish. But if you are, this recipe is top-notch. The scallops need to be sliced very thin. For the marinade, you’ll use a soy and rice vinegar base. Drench the scallops with it and enjoy! Click on a star to rate it!
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