Have you ever wondered how to cook scallops? Here’s everything you need to know about these buttery and delicious shellfish, that will have you in the loop in no time. Plus, try these 13 Easy Scallop Recipes!
Scallops are one of the best things to come from the sea! This versatile shellfish is truly one of the most budget-luxury ingredients you can ever have in your kitchen. All the flavor of fresh seafood, without the hefty price tag! Still, if the thought of preparing scallops has you imagining the dinner scene in Pretty Woman (“Slippery little suckers!”), let’s officially lay those fears to rest.
If you love oysters and mussels, and even if you’ve never tried them, it’s never too late to fall in love with their succulent seafood cousins: buttery scallops!
What Are Scallops?
Scallops are a type of mollusk that comes from the sea. Similar to mussels, oysters, and clams, scallops are a briny muscle that can be shucked and cooked in loads of seafood dishes! There are generally two types of scallops you can find: bay scallops, which are smaller and more tender, and sea scallops, which are larger in size.
What Does a Scallop Taste Like?
Scallops have a succulent, tender texture and sweet, buttery flavor that’s a bit like crab meat or lobster. Fresh scallops taste like the sea, without being fishy.
Are They Good For You?
Are scallops healthy? The answer is, yes! Scallops are heart-healthy, high in good-for-you fats and omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower cholesterol. They’re also rich in magnesium, which can contribute to improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure!
Scallop Recipes to Try
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook scallops, these easy recipes are the best place to start. You just might discover a new favorite seafood dish!
Cajun Brown Butter Scallops
For a simple scallop recipe that packs a ton of flavor, look no further! Amp up the flavor factor with a delicious seasoning of spicy browned butter.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
These scallops are coated in a sweet and savory herb glaze and baked to perfection in just around 30 minutes! Everything is better with bacon, right?
Creamy Garlic Scallops
An easy recipe for rich, creamy, flavorful scallops that’s on the table in 20 minutes! Bold garlic mingles with white wine and tomatoes in a luxurious sauce.
Creamy Lemon Butter Scallops
Lemon gives these buttery scallops a jolt of bright, zingy flavor in this deliciously creamy shellfish recipe. This recipe is melt-in-your-mouth and insanely tasty!
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Wrap your seasonal scallops in the best kind of hug – a bacon one! Salty and smoky bacon pairs beautifully with creamy scallops for an easy and impressive appetizer.
Seared Scallops and Cauliflower Rice Risotto
Grilled Scallop Kebabs with Zucchini and Red Onion
Possibly the easiest way to grill scallops, alongside tender zucchini and crisp red onion, for a delicious summer meal cooked all in one.
Garlic Butter Seared Scallops
A classic for a reason, this beginner’s scallop recipe is seared to perfection in just 10 minutes in a rich and savory garlic butter.
Easy Pan Seared Scallops Recipe
Fast, easy, and so delicious, this method is a simple way to cook restaurant quality scallops that cut like butter!
Grilled Scallops with Cilantro Yogurt Dip
Juicy grilled scallops cook up in minutes on skewers, ready for dipping in a creamy homemade cilantro yogurt dressing.
How To Make The Best Seared Scallops
Perfect your technique for making the best pan seared scallops at home with this easy recipe and guide. Caramelized on the outside, sweet and juicy on the inside!
Seared Scallops with Corn Relish
Serve up summer on a plate with this recipe for succulent home-cooked scallops and a zesty corn relish made with bacon, red pepper, and lime.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta
Browned butter and sage are the ultimate pairing, made even better when there’s scallops in the mix. Tossed over some tender spaghetti, the result is nothing less than an extraordinary seafood pasta!
Sources: Southern Living
Take a deep dive into more easy and flavorful seafood recipes using the recipe finder!
