Here are the best scallop recipes for baked, grilled, broiled and pan-seared scallops! Learn how to thaw them, if you should cook them from frozen, plus amazing recipes you'll love.
Read as you go or click on the table of contents below to go straight to the section you're most interested in. The scallop recipes are at the bottom of this article.
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How to thaw scallops
- If you have the time, place them in the refrigerator the night before. They'll slowly thaw overnight and will be ready whenever you're ready to cook them the next day.
- To thaw them quickly, place them in a bowl of cool water (make sure they're in their original bag, or transfer them to a resealable plastic bag that is very well-sealed so there's no leakage). Change the water a couple of times - about every ten minutes - until they're completely thawed. Depending on how many scallops you're thawing and how big they are, it should take roughly half an hour.
- Whatever you do, don't place them on the counter at room temperature. The resulting texture won't be appealing and you'll basically be ruining them before you even begin cooking.
How to cook scallops
Here are some "rules" that apply no matter what scallop recipe you're using:
- As with all seafood, buy it frozen. Most of us don't have access to seafood that's truly fresh (as in just caught and fresh off the boat; if you do, then, of course, buy it fresh). Almost all seafood is frozen when caught then shipped to the store for purchase. This means that the seafood you're buying at the counter has already been frozen once - yet you have no idea when it was thawed and how long it's been sitting since. If you buy your seafood frozen, you're in control of when it's thawed and for how long it sits before it hits your skillet.
- Buy "dry" scallops if you can. Dry scallops haven't been soaked in a solution to help preserve them so they're more flavorful. They're also much easier to get a good sear because they won't release as much water when cooking.
- Don't overcook them. They should be deeply browned on each side but still slightly opaque in the center - anything more and they lose flavor and that tender texture that makes scallops so appealing.
How to cook frozen scallops
- My best answer here is just don't do it. Why cook scallops from frozen and risk over or undercooking them when they're so simple to thaw? See above for how to thaw your scallops quickly if you're in a pinch.
How to pan-sear scallops
- Crank up the heat. You want a nicely browned "crust" on each side of the scallop which only a screaming hot pan will achieve.
- As with all foods you're trying to brown (sear), don't overcrowd your pan or they'll steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
- Another trick to making sure they get a good sear is to pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Use clarified butter instead of oil when searing; the flavor will be much better! Clarified butter - also known as "ghee" - allows you to cook over high heat without the butter burning. Adding an oil with a higher smoke point - such as canola or vegetable - to regular butter will work, too, but clarified butter is your most delicious bet.
- If you attempt to flip your scallops (and they should be flipped just once) and they resist - leave them alone. They're ready to be turned when they release on their own. Trying to force them will only rip them and they won't be seared as they should.
How to grill scallops
- Once again, don't flip them until they're ready. If your grill is hot enough, the scallops will brown quickly enough to be flipped in time to cook the other side without overcooking them.
- Grease your grates very well. The last thing you want is for them to stick and rip when you try to flip them.
- Consider using skewers. This makes the scallops much easier to flip. And, since you can flip many at once, you reduce the risk in overcooking them.
How to broil scallops
- Place your pan just a few inches from the heat source. You want your them to brown well on the top before they're cooked perfectly on the inside. But watch them closely so they don't burn!
- Again, grease your pan well, especially if you're flipping them. You want them to stay in one piece, which won't happen if they're sticking.
- Use sea scallops since they're larger and won't overcook before they get a nicely browned top.
How to bake scallops
- Baking is arguably the easiest way to cook your scallops, especially if you're new to the process. You don't have to do any flipping or guesswork since good scallop recipes will have clear instructions for how long to bake.
- If you still want the crispy top after baking, run your dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
53 Scallop Recipes – Baked, Grilled, Broiled & Pan-Seared
Here are 53 of the most amazing scallops recipes out there! We've included recipes for grilling, baking, broiling, and pan-searing, plus 10 side dish suggestions for what to serve with scallops.
Grilled Scallop Recipes
Grilling scallops adds a wonderful charred flavor to your dish and couldn't be easier! Perfect for summertime kabobs, appetizers or even your main course.
Grilled Scallops and Shrimp Kabobs
The marinade is quick and easy to prepare. You'll have outstanding flavors that you, your family, and your guests are going to simply rave about!
Grilled Scallops
A quick and easy scallop recipe that's perfect for any day of the week.
Sweet and Sour Scallop Kabobs
Succulent sea scallops, crisp broccoli florets, and sweet pineapple chunks brushed in a quick soy-ginger marinade, grilled to perfection.
Balsamic Grilled Peach and Grilled Scallop Salad
Juicy scallops mixed with slightly tart but sweet balsamic grilled peaches with peppery greens in a salad.
Grilled Scallops with Avocado & Corn Salsa
Plump grilled jumbo scallops served with a bright, fresh avocado-corn salsa and a sweet, tart honey-lime vinaigrette. It’s healthy, yet filling and downright delicious!
Grilled Scallops with Tomatillo Plum Salsa
These grilled scallops are simply prepared and topped with a fresh summery tomatillo plum salsa for a delicious light meal.
Grilled Scallop Citrus Ceviche
This grilled scallop citrus ceviche is a refreshing and healthy appetizer or light meal.
Grilled Lemon Garlic Scallops
An eloquent dish marinated in the juice of a lemon, a hint of garlic, wrapped in olive oil with Italian seasonings and grilled to perfection!
Grilled Scallops with Meyer Lemon Salsa Verde
Simple and quick grilled scallops served with fresh and vibrant beet greens and citrusy based salsa.
Grilled Sea Scallops with Bourbon Sauce
These Grilled Scallops with Bourbon Sauce are cooked on skewers on the grill, and topped with an easy, sweet bourbon sauce.
Grilled Scallops with Herbed Zucchini Noodles and Charred Corn
A simply grilled summer feast featuring grilled scallops served atop zucchini noodles tossed with charred corn and fresh herbs.
Grilled Scallops with Cilantro Yogurt Dip
Tasty grilled scallops cooked on wooden skewers and served with a delicious cilantro yogurt dip.
Grilled Rosemary Scallops
Toss the old skewers and grill your scallops on rosemary stalks for a fresh summery taste!
Baked Scallop Recipes
Baking scallops is a simple process and always turns out a delightful dish. Try baking in individual ramekins or small baking dishes and give everyone their own meal!
Crispy Baked Scallops with Buttery Panko Topping
Crispy Baked Scallops are buttery and crispy with panko, Parmesan cheese, paprika, butter, and olive oil and baked in just 15 minutes.
Baked Scallops with Lemon-Butter Sauce
These quick and easy baked sea scallops are topped with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a simple lemon-butter sauce.
Fancy Baked Sea Scallops
These easy-to-make baked sea scallops make an impressive appetizer for a special meal with a crispy pancetta crumb topping.
LEMON GARLIC BAKED SCALLOPS
This easy dinner recipe takes about 20 minutes and is low carb, Keto-friendly.
Ultimate Scallop Gratin
Scallop Gratin is an easy baked scallop recipe with a creamy, cheesy, white wine butter sauce you will LOVE, and it's ready in just 20 minutes!
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops
Baked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, seasoned with chili pepper and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Baked Scallops au Gratin with Panko Breadcrumbs
A simple scallop recipe that takes just 15 minutes to bake.
Baked Sea Scallops with Crispy Gluten Free Topping
An easy baked sea scallops recipe with a crispy low carb and gluten-free topping. Makes a fantastic keto-friendly appetizer or main course.
Baked Sea Scallops in Shells
Bring a taste of the seas to your home in this sophisticated Sea Scallops recipe, baked in a garlicky oil sauce and served with a splash of lemon juice.
Bay Scallops Casserole
Bay scallops pair beautifully with a crunchy, buttery, lemony topping.
Simple Herbed Scallops
Lemon, butter, and herbs make this dish a standout.
Baked Scallops with Cheese and Wine Sauce
Cheese and wine, baked with scallops until creamy and delicious.
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
In less than 30 minutes you can cook bacon wrapped scallops in the oven to tender, juicy perfection.
Broiled Scallops Recipes
Broiling scallops is a great way to ensure you get that nice, crispy topping.
Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Broiling delivers a crispy topping that's the perfect contrast for the sweet, tender scallops.
Crispy Broiled Scallops and Chorizo
Tender, sweet scallops and spicy chorizo? Count us in.
Coquille St. Jacques
Delicate scallops, shrimps, and mushrooms in a rich gruyere and white wine sauce, broiled until golden and bubbling.
Pumpkin Broiled Scallop Gratin
A lighter, seasonal take on the classic Coquilles St. Jacques, and is made with sea scallops cooked in a creamy pumpkin sauce.
Pan-Seared Scallops Recipes
Pan-searing is the method you'll want to use if you want to get that deep, golden-brown sear on each scallop. Be sure you crank the heat up to high and watch them carefully so they don't overcook.
Perfectly Seared Scallops with Bacon and Kale Pesto
These perfectly seared scallops with bacon and kale pesto are the perfect dinner for any night of the week!
Blackened Scallops with Coconut Creamed Corn
These Cajun blackened scallops with coconut creamed corn are the perfect way to celebrate the summer.
Seared Scallops with Coconut Rice & Pineapple Salsa
Perfectly seared scallops on top of fresh pineapple salsa and creamy coconut rice - make dinner tropical!
Easy Mediterranean-Style Scallops Recipe
If you've thought that you can only get tasty, buttery scallops at a fine dining restaurant, this 20-minute recipe will change your mind!
Sweet Corn Risotto with Seared Sea Scallops and Basil Salsa Verde
Sweet Corn Risotto with Seared Sea Scallops and Basil Salsa Verde is a beautiful, delicious, summery date night dinner for two!
Scallops With Cheese Grits
Pan-seared scallops with cheese grits: a favorite quick meal.
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
The easiest gourmet dish you can make on a weeknight in just 15 minutes.
Low-Carb Seared Scallops & Spaghetti Squash
A 30-minute restaurant-quality recipe that looks and sounds fancy, but is so easy to make!
Seared Scallop Pasta with Creamy Bacon Sauce
Scallops + Carbonara = a winner.
Heart-shaped Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops in a Champagne Rose Sauce
A tasty and great looking heart-shaped pasta with shrimp and scallops in a champagne rose Sauce. Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversary or romantic evening!
Irish Scallop Bisque
Creamy, and decadent Irish Scallop Bisque, perfect for a cozy date night dinner.
Cajun Scallops and Cheesy Grits
These Cajun Scallops and Cheesy Grits are a zesty, mouthwatering summer comfort food dish you need to get on the menu!
Pan Seared Scallops with Orzo Piccata
An easy weeknight dinner that’s fancy enough for weekend company.
Thai Curry with Scallops and String Beans
Forget take out, this simple Thai curry with scallops and string beans is here to revive your weeknight dinner.
What to Serve with Scallops?
Here are 8 side dish recipes that solve the dilemma of what to serve with your scallops!
Green Beans Almondine
A simple recipe for Green Beans Almondine that uses just ONE pan. Healthy, fresh and perfect for a crowd or an easy weeknight side dish.
Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Poblanos & Corn
This easy dish has just five ingredients with loads of flavor.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
The parmesan cheese and crispy edges make these a healthy, tasty treat.
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Easy, healthy, and tasted amazing. Don't forget the flavorful crispy bits on the bottom of the pan!
goat cheese potato gratin with crispy pancetta and a balsamic glaze
This sophisticated recipe takes a shortcut to get these on the table in no time.
Roasted Carrot Souffle
It sounds difficult, but it's so easy you won't believe it. A major hit with adults and kids!
Goat Cheese Polenta
Polenta is the Italian version of grits and this creamy goat cheese polenta is the perfect scallop side dish.
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Rachel says
Nice selection!! Thanks for including me in there, I can't wait to look through them all.
Kristy Bernardo says
My pleasure, Rachel!
Tara says
What an amazing line up of scallops. Thanks for including ours, sharing!!
Kristy Bernardo says
My pleasure, Tara! Thanks!
Marc says
Thanks for including my scarlet scallops in your roundup! All the dishes look great!
Kristy Bernardo says
The pleasure is truly mine, Marc; those are some gorgeous scallops! A perfect choice for Valentine's dinner. Thanks for allowing me to use your beautiful photo. Cheers 🙂
eat good 4 life says
What a great roundup. I need to cook scallops more often.
Kristy Bernardo says
You & me both, e4gl! Thanks 🙂
Mischa @ Accidenta Farm Wife says
My husband has been wanting scallops for a couple weeks now! Will have to follow through with one of these beautiful recipes, pinned!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thank you, Mischa! I hope your husband enjoys whichever one you choose!
Elena says
What a great roundup! Thanks for including me!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thank YOU for the great recipe, Elena!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I love scallops and this is such a great collection of recipes. Bookmarking and sharing!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thank you so much, Joanie!
Renee says
Thank you Kristy for including my Hong Kong style scallops in your list! I can't wait to check out the other recipes. I love scallops.
Kristy Bernardo says
The pleasure is all mine, Renee! Cheers 🙂