10+ Scallop Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Scallops are one of those seafood options that just feel special, but they’re surprisingly easy to cook at home. They’ve got this sweet, mild flavor and a tender bite that works with so many different ingredients.

Whether you’re just starting out with scallops or you want some new inspiration, here are a bunch of recipes to keep things interesting.

You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff to make scallops taste amazing. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and quick.

Scallops cook fast, so they’re perfect for those nights when you want something good but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

1) Perfect Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce

Start with big, dry sea scallops for the best pan-sear. Pat them dry—seriously, it’s worth the extra minute because you’ll get that golden crust.

Heat up some oil in a pan over medium-high until it’s shimmering. Drop in the scallops, but don’t crowd them.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Let them sit still for that caramelized crust.

Near the end, toss in garlic and butter. Spoon that garlicky butter over the scallops while they finish.

This is the kind of sauce that makes you want to mop up every last drop.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add scallops and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Reduce heat to low, add butter and garlic.
5. Spoon garlic butter over scallops for 1 more minute.
6. Serve immediately.

Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter has more details if you want to learn.

2) Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti

Creamy bay scallop spaghetti is one of those dinners that feels like a treat but comes together in no time. The scallops cook fast and blend into a buttery, garlicky sauce.

Garlic gives just enough punch without overpowering the sweet scallops. Toss everything with cooked spaghetti and a splash of cream for that silky finish.

A little fresh herb or cheese on top makes it extra nice. Thick spaghetti works best here, at least in my opinion.

If you want a full recipe, check out this creamy bay scallop spaghetti recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked thick spaghetti
• 1 pound bay scallops
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add scallops and cook 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Remove scallops.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until warm. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add scallops and cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm.

3) Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are always a hit. The salty bacon and sweet, tender scallops just work together.

Wrap each scallop in half a slice of bacon, secure it with a toothpick, and you’re ready to go. Broil or bake until the bacon’s crisp and the scallops are just cooked through.

If you want a little more flavor, brush on a glaze or drizzle with olive oil before cooking. These are great for parties or just when you want something snacky and a little decadent.

Ingredients

• Jumbo scallops
• Bacon slices
• Olive oil (optional)
• Toothpicks

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place scallops on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over scallops if you like.
5. Bake or broil for 12-15 minutes until bacon is crispy.

4) Scallops Meunière with Lemon Butter

Scallops Meunière is a classic for a reason. Sear the scallops until golden, then pour over a quick lemon-butter sauce.

Browned butter, fresh lemon juice, and a few capers give the sauce a tangy kick. This dish comes together fast and tastes like you put in way more effort.

Serve with greens or whatever side you’re into. It brings a bit of French flair to your kitchen, but honestly, it’s not fussy at all.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sear scallops 2-3 minutes each side until golden. Remove scallops.
4. Lower heat and add butter to the pan. Cook until browned.
5. Stir in lemon juice and capers.
6. Pour sauce over scallops and serve warm.

5) Wasabi Pea Crusted Scallops with Mango Puree

This one’s a little different, but it’s worth trying. Crunchy wasabi peas coat the scallops, and the sweet mango puree balances out the heat.

Crush the wasabi peas and press them onto the scallops, then sear until golden. Spoon over some mango puree for a bright, fruity contrast.

Serve with a salad or some steamed veggies. It looks and tastes fancy, but you don’t have to fuss much.

Ingredients

• 12 large sea scallops
• 1 cup crushed wasabi peas
• 3 ripe mangos, peeled and pureed
• 2 limes, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Puree the peeled mangos and mix with lime juice. Set aside.
2. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
3. Press scallops into crushed wasabi peas to coat.
4. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with oil.
5. Sear scallops 2-3 minutes per side until crust is golden and scallops are cooked.
6. Serve scallops on a plate and spoon mango puree around.

6) Creamy Garlic Scallops in White Wine Sauce

Creamy garlic scallops in white wine sauce are one of those dishes that feels a bit luxurious but doesn’t take much time. Sear the scallops for a golden crust.

Simmer garlic in butter, add white wine and cream, and let it all come together. A splash of lemon brightens up the sauce.

Serve these over pasta, rice, or just with some crusty bread. You’ll want to scoop up every bit of sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs sea scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions:

1. Pat scallops dry and season lightly with salt.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sear scallops 2-3 minutes each side until golden, then remove.
4. Add butter and garlic to the pan, cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmer 2 minutes.
6. Stir in cream and heat gently until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Return scallops to the pan, coat with sauce, and warm through.
8. Serve immediately.

7) Parmesan Scallops over Pasta

Parmesan scallops over pasta is comfort food that doesn’t take much effort. Sauté scallops until golden and tender.

Toss cooked spaghetti or angel hair in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a bit of garlic. The cheese gives it that salty, rich flavor that works so well with scallops.

I like to finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic or a squeeze of lemon. It comes together fast—perfect for when you want something special but not complicated.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sea scallops
• 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sear scallops 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
5. In the same pan, add garlic and cook 1 minute.
6. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
8. Toss pasta in the sauce.
9. Plate pasta, top with scallops, and drizzle with balsamic or lemon juice if using.

8) Classic Seared Scallops with Olive Oil

Seared scallops with olive oil are one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes almost no time. The trick? Heat your pan until it’s really hot, so you get a golden crust on each scallop.

That crust locks in the flavor and keeps the inside soft. You just need a sprinkle of salt and pepper—nothing complicated.

Pour a little olive oil in the pan and cook the scallops over medium-high heat. Let them sit for about two minutes per side, just until they brown up.

If you’re in the mood, toss in some garlic or fresh herbs, but honestly, the classic version stands on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
3. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
4. Place scallops carefully in the hot pan.
5. Cook for 2 minutes without moving them.
6. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden.
7. Remove from pan and serve immediately.

For more details, see the Olive Oil Seared Scallops Recipe.

9) Shrimp and Scallop Skewers

Shrimp and scallop skewers are one of those go-to seafood meals you can throw together in minutes. Just thread shrimp, scallops, and your favorite veggies—maybe zucchini or bell peppers—onto skewers.

A quick brush with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic does the trick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill at 450°F (232°C) for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn the skewers every so often so everything cooks evenly.

These are perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to fire up the grill for friends. The mix of shrimp and scallops brings a nice balance of flavors to the table.

Ingredients

• 18 large shrimp
• 18 scallops
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetables like zucchini, red onion, or bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat grill to 450°F (232°C).
2. Thread shrimp, scallops, and veggies onto skewers.
3. Brush skewers with olive oil and sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Remove and serve warm.

For more tips, see this shrimp and scallop kabobs guide.

10) Legal Sea Foods-Style Baked Scallops

This baked scallop recipe keeps things simple and comforting. Start by soaking fresh sea scallops in buttermilk, which gives them tenderness and a bit of tang.

Cover the scallops with crushed crackers—Ritz are a classic choice. Pour melted butter over everything for a rich, golden finish.

Bake at a low temperature for about 20 minutes until the top turns golden. Toss in fresh thyme or parsley if you want a little extra flavor.

Pair this dish with a crisp salad or some steamed veggies if you’re feeling virtuous.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sea scallops
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups crushed crackers (Ritz suggested)
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Let the scallops soak in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.

3. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in an oven-safe dish.

4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley over them.

5. Add a layer of crushed crackers on top.

6. Drizzle the melted butter evenly across everything.

7. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until you see a golden brown color.