When it comes to seafood, few ingredients are as versatile or delicious as scallops. These tender morsels can be prepared in a multitude of ways, from classic pan-searing to more adventurous flavor combinations. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering scallop recipes that showcase the best of pan-seared delights.
From rich and creamy sauces to bright and citrusy flavors, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these savory scallop dishes are sure to impress. So go ahead, indulge in the world of pan-seared scallops and discover new ways to elevate this seafood superstar.
**Stay tuned for our feature on Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter, Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Scallops, and more!**
Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
A classic combination of succulent scallops and aromatic garlic butter, this recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner party or a cozy night in. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be serving up flavorful and tender scallops in no time.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic butter mixture and let it melt.
5. Add the scallops to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Scallops
Brighten up your plate with this refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice and parsley. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
7. Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon some of the lemon herb sauce over them.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with White Wine Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant yet effortless recipe for pan-seared scallops, served with a rich and creamy white wine sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to the skillet; once melted, add scallops (4-6 at a time). Cook 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
4. Remove scallops from skillet; set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add white wine, garlic, and mustard. Simmer 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in heavy cream; cook an additional minute.
7. Serve scallops with the white wine sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Creamy Parmesan
Pan-Seared Scallops with Creamy Parmesan: A Rich and Decadent Treat
Savor the tender sweetness of seared scallops paired with a rich and creamy parmesan sauce, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let melt.
3. Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Remove scallops from pan and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
7. Add cooked scallops back into the sauce, simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive recipe that showcases the tender sweetness of scallops paired with a rich, tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they release from the pan. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the honey until dissolved. Add the scallops back into the pan and spoon some of the glaze over them.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines tender scallops with a refreshing mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for pan-searing
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil or butter to the preheated pan; sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl; squeeze lime juice over the top.
5. Serve scallops with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree
Elevate your seafood game with this elegant yet effortless dish featuring succulent scallops paired with a creamy cauliflower puree. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, steam cauliflower florets until tender. Purée in a blender with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Add butter to the skillet and stir in wine (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve scallops atop cauliflower puree, garnished with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Avocado Cream
A flavorful and elegant seafood dish that combines the tender sweetness of scallops with the creamy richness of avocado.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the scallops to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the diced avocado, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve the pan-seared scallops with the avocado cream spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Truffle Oil
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive dish that combines tender scallops with the rich, earthy flavor of truffle oil.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon truffle oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse scallops under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low and add truffle oil to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with any remaining pan juices.
6. Serve scallops hot with the truffle-infused sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Spinach and Bacon
Elevate your seafood game with this easy-to-make dish that combines succulent scallops, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the diced bacon until crispy, then remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the pan and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
4. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan and stir until wilted.
6. Serve the scallops with crispy bacon and wilted spinach.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce
This recipe combines the tender sweetness of scallops with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and the subtle tang of capers. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Simmer for 1 minute.
6. Stir in parsley and capers.
7. Serve sauce over seared scallops.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Chimichurri
This recipe showcases the tender sweetness of scallops paired with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce, perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat.
4. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
6. Serve the scallops with the chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sage
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet elegant recipe that showcases the rich flavors of brown butter and crispy sage. Pan-seared scallops are a perfect canvas for these bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 12 large sea scallops
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels; season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan; swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the scallops from the pan; set them aside on a plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium; add the butter to the pan.
7. Let the butter melt and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
8. Stir in the chopped sage leaves; cook for an additional minute.
9. Serve the scallops with the brown butter sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn Risotto
Pan-Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn Risotto: A delicious and elegant summer dish that combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the tender flavor of pan-seared scallops.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cups Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 1 cup sweet corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add warmed broth, sweet corn kernels, and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and creamy.
7. Serve risotto alongside the pan-seared scallops. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Ginger Soy Glaze
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and aromatic pan-seared scallop recipe, elevated by a sweet and savory ginger soy glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
3. Add oil to the preheated pan, then add scallops. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey.
5. Remove scallops from the pan; set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low; add glaze to the pan. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Return scallops to the pan; coat with the glaze. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Pan-Seared Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: A flavorful and elegant dish that combines the sweetness of scallops with the smokiness of roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss peppers with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
3. In a pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, blend roasted peppers with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
5. Serve seared scallops with roasted red pepper sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Scallops: 6-8 minutes
– Roasted peppers: 30-40 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Coconut Curry Sauce
Experience the harmonious blend of sweet scallops and rich coconut curry sauce in this flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add scallops to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
6. In the same skillet, add coconut milk, curry powder, and cumin. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Serve scallops with coconut curry sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Herb Crust
Experience the tender sweetness of scallops elevated by a fragrant herb crust, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, parsley, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each scallop in the herb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Asparagus and Hollandaise
Pan-Seared Scallops with Asparagus and Hollandaise
Elevate your dinner party with this decadent yet effortless recipe, featuring succulent scallops, tender asparagus, and a rich hollandaise sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 2 egg yolks
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, prepare asparagus by tossing with remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
5. To make hollandaise sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together heavy cream and melted butter. Temper egg yolks by slowly pouring warm cream mixture into them, whisking constantly. Return to heat and cook over low heat, whisking continuously, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Scallops: 6-8 minutes
– Asparagus: 12-15 minutes
– Hollandaise sauce: approximately 5 minutes
Serve scallops atop asparagus, drizzled with hollandaise sauce, and garnished with chives or parsley. Bon appétit!
Pan-Seared Scallops with Caramelized Onions
A classic combination of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that complements the tender scallops perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown.
3. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are seared and cooked through.
5. To serve, place the scallops on top of the caramelized onions and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the delicious world of scallops! This article presents 20 mouth-watering pan-seared scallop recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. From classic pairings like garlic butter and lemon herb to more adventurous combinations like mango salsa and truffle oil, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to inspire you to try new flavors and techniques. Treat yourself to a seafood extravaganza with these savory scallop delights!
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