Learn what to make with scallops with this collection of 32 amazing recipes. Choose an appetizer, salad, or unique dinner idea. There are lots of great scallop ideas to try. And we’ve added some important storage information too.
Scallop Recipes
Scallops are a form of mollusk shellfish that is typically found in saltwater. They are on the pricier end of the seafood spectrum making them perfect for special occasions.
They are delicate and velvety in texture and have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
Add buttery scallops to your main dish or make a perfect side dish your whole family will love.
An easy recipe would be sauteed scallops. The subtle flavor pairs well with rich sauces like a garlic butter sauce or a lemon butter sauce.
You can buy dry scallops or wet scallops.
The best way to buy them is dry. This means they were not soaked in water, which will make them appear bigger than they actually are.
Buying them wet will make them waterlogged and give them a briny flavor.
Bay Scallops vs Sea Scallops
There are two main types of scallops:
- Sea scallops are larger. They live on the floors of the ocean in cold water, so they are more difficult to harvest and more expensive.
- Bay scallops are smaller. These are found in shallower waters and are typically younger, which is why they are smaller and less expensive.
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How to store scallops
Like most seafood, storage is important when it comes to freshness and flavor.
How long do fresh scallops last in the fridge?
You should prepare fresh scallops within 24 hours of purchasing.
Once they are cooked, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can you freeze scallops?
Absolutely. Scallops can be frozen for up to 6 months. Make sure that they are stored in an airtight container. And never refreeze previously frozen scallops.
Other recipe ideas you may enjoy!
Each of these recipes with scallops will tell you:
- Type of recipe
- Number of ingredients
- How many scallops you will need.
- The complexity of ingredients (aka, whether or not you might need to hit the grocery store first)
- How long it takes to prepare (including cook time)
- Special diet (Keto, Gluten-free, etc)
- Equipment needed. (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, etc.)
What to make scallops
If you’re currently heading home from the grocery store with a package of scallops, don’t stress! Pin this to your favorite recipe board and it will be ready when you are!
Ingredients that work well with seafood
These ingredients will pop up in a lot of the recipes below. So if you have them on hand, you will be able to find more ideas to make.
- lemon zest or lemon juice
- red onion
- avocado
- cucumbers
- capers
- fresh herbs
- fresh garlic
- red peppers
- green beans, brussels sprouts, and other fresh vegetables
- butternut squash
- fresh cherry tomatoes
- lime juice
- cayenne pepper
- garlic powder
- white wine like pinot grigio
- parmesan cheese
- white rice
- crusty bread
- angel hair pasta
Recipes with scallops
Our goal is to assist people to find ideas for the food they already have.
Each of these scallop recipes will give you some key information so that you can pick the dish that works for your needs.
Check out the recipe creators that published each idea to use their tips and get the full recipe.
Note: pantry ingredients include dry ingredient pantry staples like olive oil, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, corn starch, salt, black pepper, spices, etc. Please check the recipe to make sure that you have the ingredients needed to create the dish. If you are making gluten-free recipes, it may include things like almond flour and other common gluten-free pantry items
TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus garnish
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 15 Minutes plus resting time Minutes
TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 12 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 40 Minutes
TYPE: Appetizer
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 8
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 11 Minutes
NOTES: Air Fryer
TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 12 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 2 hours 55 Minutes
TYPE: Salad
INGREDIENT COUNT: 10 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 8 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 1 hour 33 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 2 lbs
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 5 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 10 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 cup
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 30 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 12 plus salt
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 45 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 5 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 8-10
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 20 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 10 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 30 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 4 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 20 Minutes
Get the most out of your leftovers with these leftover rice recipes.
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 1/4 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 30 Minutes
Check out these other lemon recipes.
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 18 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 2 lbs
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 3 hours 30 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 17 plus salt and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 15 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 9 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 3/4 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 50 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 8
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 30 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 7 oz
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 35 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 7 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 20 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: .44 lbs
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 35 Minutes
NOTES: Keto, Nut-Free
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb U/10 or U/15
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 10 Minutes
NOTES: Air Fryer
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 22 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 16 U/10
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 13 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus salt and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 40 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 3 plus oil, salt, and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 20 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 20 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 30 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 4 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: Simple ingredients you may have on hand.
TIME: 20 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 16 plus basic pantry ingredients.
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 10 Minutes
NOTES: Gluten-Free
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 6 plus salt and pepper
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 15 Minutes
TYPE: Dinner
INGREDIENT COUNT: 8 plus oil
AMOUNT OF SCALLOPS: 8
INGREDIENT TYPE: You may have to hit the grocery store first.
TIME: 1 hour 5 Minutes
Which shellfish recipe are you looking forward to trying first?
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