Scallops might sound like the kind of thing you only order on a splurge night, but they’re way easier to pull off than they let on. With the right recipe, they cook fast and come out tender, not rubbery. These scallop recipes prove you don’t need white tablecloths or a massive tab to get something impressive on the plate. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but won’t look it. If you’ve got ten minutes and a pan, you’re halfway there.
Sausage & Scallop Potato Casserole
This dish pairs tender scalloped potatoes with savory sausage in a creamy, cheesy base. It’s simple to assemble and makes a comforting main when served with a side salad. Plus, it fits well into a low-point plan for those tracking meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Scallop Potato Casserole
Seared Scallops
These seared scallops are light, quick to cook, and great for warm-weather meals. The lemon, garlic, and basil add bright flavor without a lot of extra steps. You can enjoy them with vegetables, salad, or rice for a balanced plate. This is one of the easiest scallop recipes to try at home.
Get the Recipe: Seared Scallops
Chicken & Bacon Ranch Scallop Potatoes
Creamy potatoes layered with chicken, bacon, and a ranch-flavored sauce create a rich but manageable dish. It comes together quickly and works well for a cozy night in. Each serving is 7 WW smart points, which helps keep portions in check.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Bacon Ranch Scallop Potatoes
Scallop Caesar Salad
Warm scallops top this crisp Caesar salad, adding protein to an otherwise light dish. It works well as a quick lunch or a low-carb dinner option. Since scallops cook in just a few minutes, this is one of those scallop recipes that’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Scallop Caesar Salad
Sauteed Scallops
These sautéed scallops are cooked in garlic and butter for a simple, classic preparation. You can serve them over cauliflower rice or with a vegetable mix for a lower-carb meal. The method keeps things straightforward without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Scallops
Fried Rice with Scallops
This dish combines fried rice with fresh scallops and colorful vegetables in a single pan. It’s a practical way to stretch seafood into a full meal. This is one of those scallop recipes you can make when you need something filling that reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Fried Rice with Scallops
Risotto Marinara
Creamy tomato risotto is paired with shrimp and scallops in this easy one-pot dinner. Although risotto needs frequent stirring, the ingredients are simple and the steps are clear. The seafood adds flavor without making it complicated.
Get the Recipe: Risotto Marinara
Grilled Scallop Skewers
These scallop skewers are brushed with a citrus-butter glaze and cooked over a grill for a quick seafood meal. They’re great for outdoor dinners or weekend cookouts. Among scallop recipes, this one keeps prep minimal but delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers
Scallop And Bacon Pasta
This pasta dish features scallops and bacon in a light sauce that pulls everything together in about 30 minutes. It’s similar to carbonara but with a seafood twist. You can make it with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Scallop And Bacon Pasta
Orange Brown Butter Scallops
Seared scallops finished in orange-infused brown butter come together quickly and work well for dinner at home. The sauce is rich without being too heavy, and it pairs nicely with rice or mashed cauliflower. This one is great for special occasions or relaxed evenings alike.
Get the Recipe: Orange Brown Butter Scallops
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops
I made this on the grill, and it came together in no time. The shrimp stayed juicy, and the scallops picked up a nice sear without overcooking. The garlic butter adds just enough richness to balance it all out. It’s a solid pick for a casual dinner or something a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops
Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
These scallops cook fast, so you won’t spend long at the stove. I got a nice golden crust on each one and spooned the garlic butter over the top while they finished cooking. The sauce brings out the natural flavor without going overboard. It looks fancy, but it’s honestly super easy.
Get the Recipe: Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter
Breaded Scallops
I baked these instead of frying, and they still turned out crispy and golden. The breadcrumb coating held up well and the little bit of parmesan gave them extra flavor. I served them with lemon wedges and some tartar sauce on the side. They work great as a starter or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Scallops
Grilled Teriyaki Scallop Skewers
I threaded these with veggies and tossed them on the grill for a quick meal. The teriyaki glaze adds a little sweet and savory kick without covering up the scallops. Everything cooked evenly in under 15 minutes. It felt light but still pretty filling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Scallop Skewers
Bouillabaisse
This takes a bit longer, but it’s worth the extra time if you want something cozy and full of seafood. I used shrimp, scallops, and mussels, and let everything simmer together in a spiced broth. The flavors came together really well, and it smelled amazing the whole time. I served it with bread for dipping and called it dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bouillabaisse
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These only need a few ingredients and still feel like something special. The bacon crisps up around the scallops while they stay juicy in the center. I usually throw a batch in the oven when friends come over. They’re easy to pass around or plate up for something fancier.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Pan Seared Asian Scallops
I used a hot skillet and got a nice crust on both sides without drying them out. The sauce is quick to mix and gives everything a little punch without being too salty. I paired them with rice and some stir-fried veggies. It was done fast, but tasted like I spent way longer in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Asian Scallops
