How to Cook Scallops

Cooking scallops can be intimidating, so today we’re talking How to Cook Scallops with two Scallop Recipes you can’t resist! Scallops are tender, sweet, and succulent, with a delightful flavor when cooked properly. The scallop recipes in this post are super easy – bake them in the oven with a simple topping or simply pan-sear them with butter for a perfect weeknight meal.

I love Seafood, it’s no secret that my most popular posts are seafood! And I love to share the basics such as How To Cook Lobster Tail, How to Cook Mussels, Green Mussels, Tuna Steak Recipe, Fish Fry, Baked Mahi Mahi, the BEST Calamari and more! 

I also enjoy breaking down different ways to cook one type of fish such as salmon–Air Fryer Salmon, Grilled Salmon, Sockeye Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce, Pan Seared Salmon, Sushi Burrito, Tuna Salad Recipe with Olive Oil Dressing and more!

So scallops are naturally next on the list, but why make two different posts on them when we can combine them in one with a video. Here we’ll take everything you need to know about scallops, how to cook scallops and two scallops recipes. I’ll share how I bake scallops and how to pan sear scallops perfectly! 

What are Scallops?

Scallops are a seafood found in both salt and freshwater. They are considered a type of shellfish. They have a distinct fan-like shape with ridges on their shells. 

The scallop meat is surrounded by two shells similarly to oysters, mussels, and clams. They usually come in different sizes, the Bay Scallops are slightly smaller than the Sea Scallops. 

What do Scallops Taste Like?

Scallops are tender and buttery with a sweet, succulent nutty flavor. It’s somewhat sweet like lobster and crab, yet quite distinctive!

How to Cook Scallops

My favorite ways to cook scallops are to pan-sear your scallops or bake them. Here are two different scallop recipes using these two methods for mouth-watering scallops.

To start with the different ways to cook scallops, you’ll need to make sure the scallops are defrosted and patted dry with a kitchen towel.

1. Pan Seared Scallops

This is a super-easy and simple way to cook your scallops while still ending up with a ton of flavor. Pan searing scallops is so quick and you have full control on the sauce, the crust and flavors!

Start off by making a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, oregano (fresh or dry) and granulated garlic.

And now you’ll preheat a skillet with lots of butter.

Start laying the scallops flat on the butter to sear. Make sure you don’t over crowd the pan in order to get that perfect crust you’re looking for.

Pan sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes depending on their size until they’re golden. Then you’ll flip them over until golden on the other side too.

And now it’s absolutely ready as is! However I love making a simple butter sauce so I add in more butter. 

Then I go in with lemon slices and fresh herbs to finish off and it’s perfect!

Scoop on that sauce over the scallops and it’s pure scallop heaven!!

2. Baked Scallops

This is another super easy scallop recipe that cooks quickly in the oven and is presented beautifully in scallop shells.

For this recipe you will need to brush the fresh scallops liberally with melted butter and season.

Baked Scallop Topping

Start this recipe by making the topping. Crush the garlic, then add the panko, parma, lemon zest, herbs, and melted butter. Mix so that it is all well combined.

Preparing and baking scallops

*Scallop shells are the perfect thing to bake your scallops in. You can sometimes buy your scallops already in shells or buy the shells separately. You can also reuse them for next time. 

If you can’t find scallop shells, then just skip that part and proceed by adding the scallops on your baking tray directly.

Then, scoop equal amounts of the topping onto each scallop, and bake or broil (depending on the size of your scallops you may bake and then broil) until browned.

How long to Cook Scallops For?

Scallops are super quick to cook, but the timing varies depending on how you choose to cook them.

Pan-seared Scallops Recipe:

If you are doing pan-seared scallops, you will want to sear them on high heat for 3 minutes on each side ( 6 minutes altogether) though this timing is guidance. Each person’s skillet will vary a little in how hot it is, so make sure to keep a good eye on your scallops.

Baked Scallops Recipe:

If you choose to bake your scallops, you will likely need to bake them for 10 minutes, at 180 degrees, until they are nice and browned at the top. 

Again, each oven will vary slightly, so make a judgment about the exact timing to cook your scallops. =

Scallop Recipe Tips: 

• Buy fresh scallops whenever possible and depending on the size, adjust cooking times.
• Always pat dry your scallops before cooking.
• Pan-seared scallops require high heat for 3 minutes on each side or until golden
• Baked scallops need to bake at 200 degrees F for 10 minutes or until browned. If you’re using large scallops, you may need to broil the tops for 2 minutes.
• Scallops are ready when they are opaque in the middle
• Be careful not to overcook your scallops as they will become tough and rubbery. To prevent overcooking, make sure to watch the time and set a timer for any recipe with scallops.
• Topping for baked scallops can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

Q&A :

Are scallops shellfish?

Scallops are seafood that falls under the category of shellfish.

What can you use as an alternative to scallop shells?

If you cannot find any scallop shells or do not have access to them, then you can also use lobster meat as a substitute.

What to serve with scallops?

Scallops are great served on their own with just a squeeze of lemon juice.

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, serve them alongside:

• Mashed potatoes
• Fresh greens (tender stem broccoli, asparagus, or creamed spinach).
• Peas
• Roasted carrots
• Squash
• Pasta
• roast potatoes
• Rice
• Salad
• garlic bread

Can I reheat scallops?

It is best not to reheat them. Reheating will cause the scallop proteins to tighten which will dry out your scallop dish and make it tough and rubbery.

Where do scallops come from?

People harvest scallops from oceans all over the world. Scallop fishing typically occurs in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, USA, and Canada.

Are scallops healthy for you?

Yes, scallops are low in calories and high in protein. They also have selenium in them, which is good for your heart.

How to cook frozen scallops?

You can thaw frozen scallops before cooking them or cook them from frozen. If you choose to cook them from frozen, add a few minutes onto the required cook time in the baked scallops recipe.

Can you eat scallops raw?

While you can eat scallops raw, it is best not to do so unless you have experience in buying them fresh and preparing well. If not properly prepared, scallops can be dangerous to eat raw.

Can dogs eat scallops?

Scallops are not toxic to dogs and are actually good for them; They contain a high level of protein with lots of beneficial minerals and nutrients.

Easy Seafood Recipes

How To Cook Lobster Tail

Baked Salmon With Greek Dressing

Tuna Steak Recipe

Mussels Marinara

Quick Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Feta Sauce

Fish Fry

Air Fryer Fish For Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Baked Mahi Mahi