13 Finest Scallop Dishes for Seafood Lovers

Scallop recipes bring a delicate, sweet flavor and tender texture to the table, creating a gourmet experience at home. Each recipe captures the natural richness of scallops, making them ideal for both elegant dinners and simple, comforting meals.

These dishes offer a range of flavors that complement scallops’ subtle taste, from fresh herbs to bold sauces. Known for their versatility, scallops adapt beautifully to various cooking styles, from searing to baking.

Ideal for special occasions or quiet dinners, these recipes showcase scallops at their best. Here’s a list of 13 best scallop recipes to inspire your next meal:

13 Scallop Recipes for Seafood Lovers

This list of 13 scallop recipes highlights the delicate and flavorful nature of this seafood, perfect for appetizers or main courses.

Lemon Butter Scallops

Lemon butter scallops deliver an elegant seafood experience that highlights the delicate flavor of scallops.

With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this dish in under ten minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impromptu dinner party.

Cooking these morsels in unsalted butter enhances their natural sweetness while the lemon juice brightens each bite with a refreshing zing.

A hint of garlic elevates the sauce further, complemented by seasoning from salt and pepper along with vibrant parsley for garnish.

Creamy Seafood And Scallops Chowder

Creamy seafood and scallops chowder is a rich, hearty dish that emphasizes the natural flavors of fresh seafood without relying on heavy fillers like potatoes. Bursting with an array of succulent ingredients such as tender scallops, crab meat, and shrimp, this recipe elevates traditional chowder to new levels.

Seafood stock enhances its flavor profile beautifully; however, chicken or vegetable broth also works well for those seeking alternatives. Aromatic vegetables including onion, garlic, and celery contribute depth while half-and-half combined with milk delivers an irresistibly creamy texture.

Smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth along with white cooking wine that rounds out the taste perfectly alongside fresh parsley and butter for finishing touches.

Green Curry Scallops Topped With Mango Cilantro Salsa

Green curry scallops topped with mango cilantro salsa offer a refreshing and zesty seafood experience that’s hard to resist. The vibrant green curry sauce blends onion, garlic, minced ginger, and coconut milk with an array of vegetables like red bell pepper and broccoli for a satisfying flavor profile.

To complement the succulent scallops, you’ll prepare a bright mango salsa combining diced fruit with jalapeño, mint leaves, and cilantro, each ingredient adds layers of freshness. With every bite showcasing contrasting textures from creamy sauce to juicy mango chunks, this dish is bound to impress at your next gathering or cozy dinner night.

Perfectly suited for those who appreciate innovative flavors in their meals!

Scallops With Herb Lemon Sauce

Scallops with herb lemon sauce highlight the delicate flavor of sea scallops enhanced by a vibrant blend of fresh herbs. Searing these tender morsels in a hot skillet not only locks in their juiciness but also creates an irresistible golden crust that seafood enthusiasts will appreciate.

Fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary elevate this dish, bringing aromatic depth to each bite alongside the bright notes from capers and zesty lemon wedges as garnish. The balance between rich flavors and refreshing citrus makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion where seafood takes center stage.

It’s ideal when you want something both elegant and straightforward on your dinner table.

Seared Scallops

Seared scallops are a standout seafood delicacy, renowned for their caramelized exterior and tender interior. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect sear in just a few simple steps.

You’ll need fresh sea scallops, salt, black pepper, butter, and an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil to elevate the flavors beautifully. Cooking these succulent morsels in a heavy skillet allows them to brown perfectly while retaining their moisture inside.

Pairing your scallops with a crisp green salad and fluffy baked potato rounds out this satisfying dish nicely.

Garlic Butter Scallops Topped With Fruity Salsa

Garlic butter scallops topped with fruity salsa create a remarkable dish that highlights the rich flavor of perfectly seared seafood.

Featuring succulent scallops sautéed in aromatic garlic and creamy unsalted butter, this recipe takes an exciting turn with a refreshing watermelon salsa.

The combination of diced watermelon, spicy jalapeño pepper, zesty shallot, and fresh cilantro brings brightness to each bite while lime juice adds a tangy twist.

A hint of red pepper flakes enhances the overall experience by introducing just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the fruit.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon wrapped scallops deliver an irresistible combination of savory and succulent flavors that make them a standout choice for any gathering. The rich taste of crispy bacon perfectly complements the tender, delicate nature of scallops, creating a mouthwatering bite that’s hard to resist.

Infusing this dish with maple syrup and soy sauce adds an unexpected depth, while garlic powder elevates the overall aroma. Spraying your baking pan ensures easy cleanup after you broil these delights to perfection.

With each serving disappearing in moments, they become a favorite among guests craving something special at your next event.

Scallops With Spanish Paella

Scallops with Spanish paella features succulent scallops nestled in a rich, saffron-infused rice dish that hails from Spain. This recipe celebrates the harmonious flavors of seafood and spices, transforming any meal into an impressive culinary event.

Fish broth serves as the base for this delightful creation, but chicken or vegetable broth can easily be substituted if needed. A blend of garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and fresh chives elevates each bite while adding layers of complexity to the dish.

With plump jumbo shrimp and vibrant tomato sauce mingling together alongside tender onions and olive oil, you’ll find this combination irresistible when entertaining guests at your table.

Scallop Pasta With Herbs And Lemon

Scallop pasta with herbs and lemon features succulent pan-seared scallops paired with a delightful medley of fresh herbs and zesty citrus. This dish stands out for its ability to deliver elegance while remaining simple enough for any home cook.

The process begins by searing the scallops in extra virgin olive oil, which sets the stage for creating a rich sauce enriched with white wine. Adding garlic, butter, capers, fresh lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and bright lemon juice enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

You can choose from various pasta types like fettuccini or linguini to accompany this seafood delight perfectly; even angel hair will elevate your dining experience wonderfully.

Scallop Risotto

Scallop risotto is a luxurious dish that highlights the rich flavors of tender scallops paired with crispy bacon.

This recipe emphasizes the creamy texture achieved by slowly cooking Arborio rice in savory chicken broth, creating a comforting base for succulent seafood.

With simple ingredients like thick-cut bacon, butter, sweet onion, and grated parmesan cheese mingling together, every mouthful becomes an experience worth savoring.

Serving this dish alongside basmati or brown rice adds versatility to your meal options; you can easily complement it with a fresh salad or baked potato for balance and satisfaction.

Scallops In Wine Lemon Sauce

Scallops in wine lemon sauce feature tender, succulent scallops immersed in a rich and tangy blend of white wine and fresh lemon.

Using clarified butter enhances the dish with its smooth texture, allowing you to achieve that perfect sear on the scallops without burning.

Seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and brightened by zesty lemon juice along with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, this recipe is all about layering flavors.

Pair these exquisite morsels with pasta or rice for a satisfying dinner; add a crisp green salad for balance.

Brown Butter Scallops

Brown butter scallops are a sumptuous dish that highlights the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter while offering a tender seafood experience.

The process begins with gently cooking fresh scallops in unsalted butter infused with garlic and thyme, creating an aromatic base.

It's essential to remove the small muscle on each scallop for optimal texture before searing them until they're perfectly translucent at their centers.

Pairing these succulent morsels with basmati or brown rice elevates the meal further, while garnishing with lemon wedges adds a refreshing brightness that complements the savory richness beautifully.

Grilled Scallops

Grilled scallops offer a fantastic way to enjoy this seafood delicacy, showcasing their natural sweetness and tenderness.

The grilling process enhances the flavor profile, creating juicy morsels that pair beautifully with a variety of sides.

Adding seasonal vegetables like squash or asparagus not only complements the dish but also adds freshness to your meal.

You can easily elevate your dining experience by serving these succulent scallops alongside baked potatoes for a satisfying combination.