Scallops are a culinary delight that can elevate any meal with their tender, buttery texture and subtle sweetness. But what makes them truly special is the ease with which they can be cooked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, scallops are an accessible ingredient that can be prepared in countless ways.
From seared to baked, grilled to blackened, there’s a scallop dish to suit every taste and cooking style. As a seafood lover, it’s essential to have a collection of scallop recipes at your disposal. This can include classic dishes like lemon butter scallops or creamy seafood chowder, as well as more adventurous options like green curry scallops topped with mango cilantro salsa or bacon-wrapped scallops.
Lemon Butter Scallops
Indulge in a mouthwatering scallops dinner with just five ingredients and 10 minutes on your hands! Simply cook the succulent scallops over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet with unsalted butter, lightly seasoning them with black pepper and sea salt before cooking. For an added burst of flavor, whip up a zesty lemon butter sauce by combining unsalted butter, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley leaves.
Creamy Seafood and Scallops Chowder
For a seafood chowder that skips the usual potatoes in favor of a rich, flavorful broth, look no further than this recipe. This hearty chowder is packed with an array of succulent seafood options, including tender scallops, sweet crab meat, and plump shrimp.
If you’re lucky enough to have some seafood stock on hand, feel free to use that as the base for your chowder. Otherwise, chicken or vegetable broth will suffice. To add some extra depth to the dish, be sure to incorporate a mix of sautéed veggies like onion, garlic, and celery.
A key component of this chowder’s creamy texture is the combination of half-and-half and milk. The smoky warmth of smoked paprika, the tanginess of white cooking wine, the freshness of parsley, and the richness of butter all work together to create a truly satisfying bowl of seafood goodness.
Green Curry Scallops Topped with Mango Cilantro Salsa
Mango is a game-changer in the kitchen, elevating any dish to new heights. The green curry sauce, a key component of this recipe, requires a thoughtful blend of onion, garlic, minced ginger, green curry paste, coconut milk, chicken broth or stock, lemongrass, fish sauce, ponzu sauce, kaffir lime, Thai basil leaves, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas. In contrast, the mango salsa is a vibrant concoction of diced mango, red onion, chopped jalapeno pepper, fresh mint leaves, cilantro, kaffir lime, sea salt, and black pepper.
Scallops with Herb Lemon Sauce
When it comes to seafood lovers, there’s no denying that sea scallops are a crowd-pleaser. And when you pair them with the perfect accompaniment – think herbs and garlic butter sauce – you’ve got a match made in heaven. This recipe takes things up a notch by adding a crispy sear to the scallops, courtesy of a hot skillet and some capers for added depth. The key here is to season those scallops well before cooking them, so make sure to give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper before tossing them in the pan. Once they’re cooked to your liking, you can add in some fresh herbs – we recommend oregano, thyme, and rosemary for maximum flavor – and finish things off with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The result is a dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Seared Scallops
Pan-searing sea scallops is an art that requires finesse, but with this simple recipe, you’ll be enjoying perfectly caramelized scallops every time. The key to achieving that golden-brown crust lies in the choice of ingredients and cooking technique.
To make this pan-seared scallop recipe, start by heating a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. This will allow you to sear the scallops quickly, locking in their delicate flavor and texture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just five ingredients are needed to create a dish that’s sure to impress. Alongside your fresh sea scallops, you’ll need a pinch of flaky sea salt, a few grinds of black pepper, a pat of butter, and a drizzle of oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil.
To complete the meal, consider serving these seared sea scallops alongside a crisp green salad and a baked potato. This trifecta of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Garlic Butter Scallops Topped with Fruity Salsa
There’s something undeniably refreshing about combining sweet watermelon with the tanginess of a fruity salsa, paired with seared scallops infused with aromatic garlic butter – it’s a match made in culinary heaven. To bring this unique flavor combination to life, you’ll need diced watermelon, chopped jalapeno pepper, shallot, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance out the flavors. Meanwhile, for the scallops, simply melt some unsalted butter, sauté garlic cloves until fragrant, and add a pinch of spicy red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to see why – the sweet, smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the tender sweetness of the scallops. When you serve these at your next gathering, be prepared for them to vanish quickly! In addition to the bacon and scallops, this recipe also calls for a trifecta of flavors: maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder, which add depth and complexity to each bite. To ensure the scallops cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan, give it a quick spritz with some cooking spray before adding your ingredients. A simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Scallops with Spanish Paella
One of Spain’s most iconic weekend treats is paella, often served with succulent seafood like shrimp or scallops. This recipe for scallop and Spanish paella is a showstopper when entertaining guests. A key ingredient is fish broth, although chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed. The dish relies on an aromatic blend of garlic, saffron threads, black pepper, fresh chives for garnish, and smoked paprika. Supporting the star ingredients are extra virgin olive oil, plump jumbo shrimp, onion, and tomato sauce. Drawing inspiration from sandravalvassori.com, this recipe is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Scallop Pasta with Herbs and Lemon
With the versatility of pan-seared scallops, you can create a mouthwatering pasta dish that highlights fresh herbs and lemon’s brightness. To start, sear the scallops in a heavy skillet with extra virgin olive oil, setting the stage for an easy yet sophisticated meal. Fresh chives, parsley, and basil add a pop of color and freshness to this seafood delight. A splash of white wine helps to craft a delectable sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Garlic, butter, capers, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice all play their part in elevating this dish. Pair the scallops with fettucini, spaghetti, linguini, or even angel hair pasta for a satisfying meal. Inspired by framedcooks.com, this recipe is sure to please.
Scallop Risotto
The allure of scallops paired with bacon is undeniable, making this recipe for bacon-wrapped scallops a must-try. To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need chicken broth, thick-cut bacon, butter, a sweet onion, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch to the finished plate.
Serve the scallops with basmati rice, brown rice, or your preferred pasta for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad or baked potato for a well-rounded feast that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Scallops in Wine Lemon Sauce
To prepare this indulgent wine and lemon sauce for scallops, you’ll need clarified butter, which is surprisingly simple to create. This luxurious topping requires prompt attention as the scallops cook in it. The addition of granulated white sugar infuses the dish with a delightful flavor. For added seasoning, combine kosher salt (or sea salt), black pepper, dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, minced chives, and lemon zest. Serve the scallops over pasta or rice, accompanied by a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.
Brown Butter Scallops
The aroma of sizzling scallops in a hot skillet is a sensory delight. To prepare these pan-seared brown butter scallops, you’ll need unsalted butter, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Before cooking, be sure to remove the small muscle on the side of each sea scallop. Cook them until their centers are just translucent, then serve with basmati rice, brown rice, or your preferred pasta, finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Summary
Indulge with these mouth-watering recipes, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Share your thoughts and experiences with us! These dishes are sure to delight both family and friends. Try them out and let’s get cooking!