32 Succulent Scallop Recipes Worth Your Dinner Consideration

Felicia Lim

Fri, February 28, 2025 at 12:13 AM UTC

8 min read

Scallops are shellfish with a tender texture and come in varying sizes, making any meal feel fancier.
The best way to cook scallops is to bring them to room temperature, remove excess moisture, and sear them in a hot pan for approximately two minutes per side.
There are 33 unique scallop dishes to try, from creamy garlic scallops to seared scallops with cauliflower rice risotto, offering a variety of flavors and cooking styles.

I don't know about you, but a meal centered around scallops, as with other seafood classics such as clams or lobster , always feels extra special. The good thing about scallops is that you can easily find them in the frozen section of your supermarket; and if you have the chance to get them fresh, that's even better! Plus, the star seafood is delicious in a variety of preparations, even (especially!) when they're cooked simply for a weeknight dinner or an impromptu dinner party at home. That's why you're seriously missing out if you don't cook any of these 33 unique scallop dishes.

What Are Scallops?

Scallops are shellfish that have a very tender and delicate texture and taste, and they are edible bivalve mollusks from the Pectinidae family. You will probably recognize them by their ribbed fan-shaped shell and they come in varying sizes, from the small bay scallops to the larger sea scallops. No matter the size of the scallop, using scallops as an ingredient can make any meal feel a bit fancier.

What's the Best Way To Cook Scallops?

Whether you use frozen scallops or fresh scallops, the important thing is to bring them to room temperature before cooking. For frozen scallops, it is best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bring them to room temperature by letting them sit for 30 minutes on the countertop before cooking.

Once the scallops are at room temperature, it's very important to remove any excess moisture (you can use a paper towel to pat the scallops dry) so that they brown nicely when cooking. The easiest way to cook scallops would be to sear them in a greased hot pan or skillet, which results in a tender and sweet delicacy. Approximately two minutes per side is enough, and do not overcook the scallops as they will turn rubbery. If using other ingredients in your dish, you can prepare the ingredients beforehand and then incorporate them when the scallops are cooked.

Best Scallop Recipes

From Creamy Garlic Scallops and Scallop Bacon Pasta to Sriracha Glazed Scallops and Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Rice Risotto, here are the 32 best scallop recipesto dive into.

Jon Ashton<p>The naturally sweet flavor of scallops partners beautifully with corn in this fresh recipe from <em>Parade </em>chef Jon Ashton. The trick to cooking scallops is not to move them once they hit the pan, except to flip them once—this helps them develop a dark brown crust. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Jon Ashton

The naturally sweet flavor of scallops partners beautifully with corn in this fresh recipe from *Parade* chef Jon Ashton. The trick to cooking scallops is not to move them once they hit the pan, except to flip them once—this helps them develop a dark brown crust.

**Get the recipe:** **Scallops With Creamed Corn**

Loren Cordain<p>Mouth-watering seared scallops topped with homemade beet relish is one indulgent dish!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Loren Cordain

Mouth-watering seared scallops topped with homemade beet relish is one indulgent dish!

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Beet Relish**

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Kristy Gardner<p>This scallop featuring a flavor-packed sauce made with sake (Japanese rice wine), is an easy dish for a stellar romantic supper for two.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Kristy Gardner

This scallop featuring a flavor-packed sauce made with sake (Japanese rice wine), is an easy dish for a stellar romantic supper for two.

**Get the recipe:** **Sake to Me Scallops**

Ben Rayl<p>In this dish, the taste of the wine really adds so much delicate flavor—it's perfect with the sweetness of the peas and scallops. The basil adds the perfect kick and really pulls it all together.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Ben Rayl

In this dish, the taste of the wine really adds so much delicate flavor—it's perfect with the sweetness of the peas and scallops. The basil adds the perfect kick and really pulls it all together.

**Get the recipe:** **Champagne Risotto With Seared Scallops and Peas**

Hey Grill Hey<p>These grilled scallops are perfectly grilled and topped with a fresh lemon herb dressing. If you're a fan of scallops, you'll fall head over shells for these guys.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Hey Grill Hey

These grilled scallops are perfectly grilled and topped with a fresh lemon herb dressing. If you're a fan of scallops, you'll fall head over shells for these guys.

**Get the recipe:** **Grilled Scallops**

Baker by Nature<p>Learn how to make perfectly seared scallops with this easy recipe! You only need five simple ingredients to make this impressive recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Baker by Nature

Learn how to make perfectly seared scallops with this easy recipe! You only need five simple ingredients to make this impressive recipe.

**Get the recipe:** **Perfectly Seared Scallops**

Mantitlement<p>This recipe for creamy Tuscan spaghetti with jumbo scallops is one of our favorite ways to cook scallops! Skip the restaurant and make this seafood dinner right at home.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Mantitlement

This recipe for creamy Tuscan spaghetti with jumbo scallops is one of our favorite ways to cook scallops! Skip the restaurant and make this seafood dinner right at home.

**Get the recipe:** **Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti With Jumbo Scallops**

Fox and Briar<p>Sweet, buttery and delicate sea scallops are quickly seared in a hot pan, then a simple lemon, butter and garlic sauce is made in the same pan. Served on their own or over pasta, these seared scallops are perfect for date night at home.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Fox and Briar

Sweet, buttery and delicate sea scallops are quickly seared in a hot pan, then a simple lemon, butter and garlic sauce is made in the same pan. Served on their own or over pasta, these seared scallops are perfect for date night at home.

**Get the recipe:** **Lemon Butter Scallops**

The Recipe Critic<p>Pan-seared scallops with lemon caper sauce is an elegant yet easy dish that is perfect for special occasions or any day of the week. The caramelized scallops and the delicious sauce is made all in one pan!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Recipe Critic

Pan-seared scallops with lemon caper sauce is an elegant yet easy dish that is perfect for special occasions or any day of the week. The caramelized scallops and the delicious sauce is made all in one pan!

**Get the recipe:** **Lemon Caper Scallops**

Cooking Frog<p>You're going to love these scallops which are coated in the most delicious honey garlic butter sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Cooking Frog

You're going to love these scallops which are coated in the most delicious honey garlic butter sauce.

**Get the recipe:** **Garlic Butter Scallops With Honey**

Café Delites<p>These creamy garlic scallops are just as good as restaurant scallops with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Café Delites

These creamy garlic scallops are just as good as restaurant scallops with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor!

**Get the recipe:** **Creamy Garlic Scallops**

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The Bewitchin' Kitchen<p>This super quick recipe for pan-seared scallops with a creamy garlic white wine sauce is so easy and you probably have most of what you need in your house right now!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Bewitchin' Kitchen

This super quick recipe for pan-seared scallops with a creamy garlic white wine sauce is so easy and you probably have most of what you need in your house right now!

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Creamy Garlic Sauce**

Dr. Davinah's Eats<p>A quick, keto-friendly and grain-free recipe for seared scallops and parmesan cauliflower rice risotto.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Dr. Davinah's Eats

A quick, keto-friendly and grain-free recipe for seared scallops and parmesan cauliflower rice risotto.

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Cauliflower Rice Risotto**

Sprinkles and Sprouts<p>This seared scallop pasta with creamy bacon sauce is such an easy elegant seafood recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Sprinkles and Sprouts

This seared scallop pasta with creamy bacon sauce is such an easy elegant seafood recipe.

**Get the recipe:** **Scallop Bacon Pasta**

Inspired Taste<p>These pan-seared scallops with garlic basil butter take less than 10 minutes and taste incredible!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Inspired Taste

These pan-seared scallops with garlic basil butter take less than 10 minutes and taste incredible!

**Get the recipe:** **Garlic Basil Seared Scallops**

The Blond Cook<p>This recipe for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops is so quick, easy and sinfully delicious… no one will know you only spent 20 minutes preparing it!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Blond Cook

This recipe for Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops is so quick, easy and sinfully delicious… no one will know you only spent 20 minutes preparing it!

**Get the recipe:** **Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops**

Delightful Plate<p>This scallop shrimp pasta with burst cherry tomatoes is perfect for not only quick and simple weeknight meals but also fancy date-night dinners. It is so flavorful with sweetness from fresh seafood and umami from burst tomatoes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Delightful Plate

This scallop shrimp pasta with burst cherry tomatoes is perfect for not only quick and simple weeknight meals but also fancy date-night dinners. It is so flavorful with sweetness from fresh seafood and umami from burst tomatoes.

**Get the recipe:** **Scallop Shrimp Pasta With Burst Cherry Tomatoes**

Fork in the Kitchen<p>Seared scallops pair perfectly with creamy coconut rice and sweet pineapple salsa for the perfect summer dinner!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Fork in the Kitchen

Seared scallops pair perfectly with creamy coconut rice and sweet pineapple salsa for the perfect summer dinner!

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Coconut Rice Pineapple Salsa**

The Recipe Critic<p>Honey garlic butter scallops get pan-seared and then coated in the most amazing honey garlic butter sauce. This meal is so quick and easy that you will make it again and again!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Recipe Critic

Honey garlic butter scallops get pan-seared and then coated in the most amazing honey garlic butter sauce. This meal is so quick and easy that you will make it again and again!

**Get the recipe:** **Honey Garlic Butter Scallops**

Simply Recipes<p>Pan-seared scallops nestled in a bed of sweet corn and poblano chiles—perfect for sweet summer nights.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Simply Recipes

Pan-seared scallops nestled in a bed of sweet corn and poblano chiles—perfect for sweet summer nights.

**Get the recipe:** **Pan-Seared Scallops With Sweet Corn and Chilies**

Jessica Gavin<p>Pan-seared scallops with lemon caper pasta is a gourmet recipe for any occasion! Light angel hair pasta is tossed with a citrus white wine sauce and tomatoes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Jessica Gavin

Pan-seared scallops with lemon caper pasta is a gourmet recipe for any occasion! Light angel hair pasta is tossed with a citrus white wine sauce and tomatoes.

**Get the recipe:** **Pan-Seared Scallops With Lemon Caper Pasta**

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Dinner at the Zoo<p>These bacon-wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Dinner at the Zoo

These bacon-wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!

**Get the recipe:** **Bacon-Wrapped Scallops**

Walder Wellness<p>This simple pan-seared scallops and zucchini noodle pasta is a nutritious, healthy and balanced weeknight meal. Dinner in 30 minutes! Gluten-free and dairy-free versions are available.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Walder Wellness

This simple pan-seared scallops and zucchini noodle pasta is a nutritious, healthy and balanced weeknight meal. Dinner in 30 minutes! Gluten-free and dairy-free versions are available.

**Get the recipe:** **Pan-Seared Scallops With Zucchini Noodle Pasta**

Rasa Malaysia<p>Honey sriracha scallops—outrageously delicious scallops in sticky sweet, savory and mildly spicy honey Sriracha sauce. Every bite is bursting with fresh and juicy goodness.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Rasa Malaysia

Honey sriracha scallops—outrageously delicious scallops in sticky sweet, savory and mildly spicy honey Sriracha sauce. Every bite is bursting with fresh and juicy goodness.

**Get the recipe:** **Honey Sriracha Scallops**

The Mediterranean Dish<p>Easy, quick-seared buttery scallops, nestled in a flavor-packed mixture of tomatoes and bell peppers! You'll love the bold Mediterranean flavors in this scallops recipe–fresh garlic, shallots, capers, oregano and more.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Mediterranean Dish

Easy, quick-seared buttery scallops, nestled in a flavor-packed mixture of tomatoes and bell peppers! You'll love the bold Mediterranean flavors in this scallops recipe–fresh garlic, shallots, capers, oregano and more.

**Get the recipe:** **Easy Mediterranean-Style Scallops**

She Cooks She Cleans<p>The apple cider glaze would really bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops. Add spinach and mushrooms to that for some earthiness, a bit of bacon to add a touch of saltiness, and you have a meal!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — She Cooks She Cleans

The apple cider glaze would really bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops. Add spinach and mushrooms to that for some earthiness, a bit of bacon to add a touch of saltiness, and you have a meal!

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Apple Cider Balsamic Glaze**

Downshiftology<p>Scallops are healthy, super easy and delicious to make at home. These restaurant-worthy scallops are pan-seared and topped with a delicious citrus ginger sauce. They're so tender and smooth that they'll melt in your mouth!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Downshiftology

Scallops are healthy, super easy and delicious to make at home. These restaurant-worthy scallops are pan-seared and topped with a delicious citrus ginger sauce. They're so tender and smooth that they'll melt in your mouth!

**Get the recipe:** **Pan-Seared Scallops With Citrus Ginger Sauce**

A Thought for Food<p>When you want something fancy for date night or any special occasion, these seared scallops with quinoa and butternut puree are sure to impress.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href= — A Thought for Food

When you want something fancy for date night or any special occasion, these seared scallops with quinoa and butternut puree are sure to impress.

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Quinoa Apple Salad**

Peas and Crayons<p>Quick and easy sriracha glazed seared scallops are finished off with a spicy and super flavorful homemade sriracha pan sauce! Delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Peas and Crayons

Quick and easy sriracha glazed seared scallops are finished off with a spicy and super flavorful homemade sriracha pan sauce! Delicious!

**Get the recipe:** **Sriracha Glazed Seared Scallops**

The Recipe Critic<p>Grilled lemon garlic scallops is an eloquent dish marinated in the juices of a lemon, a hint of garlic and wrapped in olive oil with Italian seasonings—all grilled to perfection! So simple to make and ready in minutes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Recipe Critic

Grilled lemon garlic scallops is an eloquent dish marinated in the juices of a lemon, a hint of garlic and wrapped in olive oil with Italian seasonings—all grilled to perfection! So simple to make and ready in minutes.

**Get the recipe:** **Grilled Lemon Garlic Scallops**

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Plays Well With Butter<p>Island-style seared scallops with mango salsa and coconut rice are the perfect way to add a little bit of bright, tropical flair to your life any night of the week!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Plays Well With Butter

Island-style seared scallops with mango salsa and coconut rice are the perfect way to add a little bit of bright, tropical flair to your life any night of the week!

**Get the recipe:** **Scallops With Mango Salsa**

Julia's Album<p>Bacon scallops with lemon butter sauce—this dish tastes just like bacon-wrapped scallops but is much easier to make! It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Julia's Album

Bacon scallops with lemon butter sauce—this dish tastes just like bacon-wrapped scallops but is much easier to make! It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish!

**Get the recipe:** **Seared Scallops With Bacon in Lemon Butter Sauce**

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Don't Miss:

What Are Scallops?

What's the Best Way To Cook Scallops?

Best Scallop Recipes