There’s something about scallops that feels celebratory, whether it’s a Tuesday night splurge or a weekend dinner to impress friends. I remember the first time I cooked scallops at home after a wonderful meal in a coastal restaurant—the buttery sear, that hint of sweetness, and a silky sauce made me rethink what “restaurant-quality” actually meant. Since then, scallops have become a quiet secret for those nights when you want dinner to feel special, but still realistic for home. If you’ve ever stared at a tray of perfect sea scallops and thought, “Can I really make them taste this good?”—these 12+ scallops dinner recipes that feel restaurant-quality are the answer.
1. Lemon Butter Seared Scallops
Why You’ll Love It:
This is that go-to recipe when you want something fast and luxurious—it’s perfect for date night or just an easy way to treat yourself. The brown butter sauce brings depth, while fresh lemon brightens up every bite. It’s simple enough for a quick meal but still feels like something you’d get at your favorite bistro.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
How to Make It:
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just opaque. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add butter and garlic; cook for 1 minutes, scraping browned bits.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Spoon sauce over scallops, sprinkle with parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for extra depth.
2. Scallops with Creamy Risotto
Why You’ll Love It:
When you crave something cozy and elegant, scallops with risotto come to the rescue. This dish turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable—great for sharing and always impressive.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Chives, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Heat broth in a saucepan and keep warm.
- In another pan, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent.
- Stir in rice and cook 2 minutes.
- Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more, until risotto is creamy, 18–20 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear scallops in hot olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Plate risotto, top with scallops, and sprinkle with chives.
Best Pairings: A simple green salad, crusty bread, and chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
3. Scallop Piccata
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love bright, tangy flavors, this scallop piccata is your weeknight upgrade. The lemon-caper sauce cuts through the richness, making it lively and never heavy. It’s a good one for family dinners when you want to shake up the usual rotation.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Roasted asparagus, for serving
How to Make It:
- Pat scallops dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in skillet. Sauté garlic 30 seconds.
- Add wine, broth, lemon juice; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in capers. Return scallops to sauce for 1 minutes.
- Plate with sauce, parsley, and lemon slices.
Best Pairings: Roasted asparagus, lemon rice, a crisp white wine.
4. Miso-Glazed Scallops with Sesame Greens
Why You’ll Love It:
For a fun twist, these miso-glazed scallops bring a touch of umami and pair perfectly with quick-sautéed sesame greens. It’s especially handy for lighter dinners or when you want something a little different from the usual butter sauces.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 cups spinach
- 2 cups chopped bok choy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
How to Make It:
- Whisk together miso, mirin, soy sauce, and honey.
- Dry scallops, brush with glaze.
- Sear scallops in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Sauté spinach and bok choy in sesame oil until wilted.
- Serve scallops over greens, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime before serving to brighten the flavors.
5. Scallop Pasta with Garlic and White Wine
Why You’ll Love It:
There’s nothing more comforting than tossing fresh pasta with tender scallops and a silky white wine sauce. This one’s perfect for late, cozy dinners or a chic twist on a classic seafood pasta.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, for zest and wedges
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
How to Make It:
- Cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Dry scallops, season with salt and pepper, sear in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side. Remove to plate.
- Lower heat, add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
- Pour in wine, simmer 2 minutes. Add butter, pasta, and reserved water, tossing to coat.
- Add zest, parsley, and parmesan. Nestle scallops back on top and garnish with lemon.
Serving Idea: Pair with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
6. Scallops with Pea Purée
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a dish for when you want that “wow” plating but it’s easier than it looks. The sweet peas complement the briny scallops perfectly, and it’s light enough for spring or summer evenings with friends.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups frozen (or fresh) peas
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- Microgreens and radish, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Boil peas until just tender, drain.
- Purée peas with cream, butter, and mint; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil, sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side, season lightly.
- Spread pea purée on plates, arrange scallops, and garnish.
Swap This With That: You can substitute fresh basil for mint in the purée for a different herbal flavor.
7. Brown Sugar-Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Why You’ll Love It:
These have been a party hit in my house—sweet, salty, tender, and just a little bit fancy. You can serve them as dinner with a salad or make them for a holiday starter plate.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 pound large sea scallops
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap each scallop in a half slice of bacon, secure with toothpicks.
- Place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with brown sugar, drizzle maple syrup, season with pepper.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crisp.
Meal Prep Tip: These can be assembled a few hours in advance and baked when ready to serve.
8. Scallop Chowder with Corn and Potatoes
Why You’ll Love It:
Nothing says comfort like a creamy chowder, and adding scallops takes it up a notch. This is great for chilly nights or whenever you have leftover corn and potatoes.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops, cut in half if large
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cubed potatoes
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
How to Make It:
- Melt butter in a soup pot, cook onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add potatoes, corn, and bay leaf; sauté 2 minutes.
- Pour in stock, bring to boil, then simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add scallops, cook 3 minutes, stir in cream, and remove bay leaf.
- Season to taste, garnish with chives.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for gentle warmth.
9. Scallops Provençal
Why You’ll Love It:
Whenever I’m craving Mediterranean flavors, I reach for this Provençal-style scallop dish with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The sauce is perfect for mopping up with bread—or over rice for a heartier meal.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Bread or rice, for serving
How to Make It:
- Heat oil in a skillet, sauté garlic 1 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, olives, herbes, and wine; simmer 10 minutes.
- Sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side, season with salt and pepper.
- Nestle scallops in sauce, cook together 2 minutes.
- Finish with parsley and serve with bread or rice.
Serving Idea: Serve with steamed rice or orzo for a satisfying meal.
10. Panko-Crusted Oven Baked Scallops
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re craving crunch but don’t want to fry, these panko-crusted scallops bake up golden and crisp. They’re a little lighter than the fried versions you might get out, but with all the cozy comfort.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Toss panko with melted butter, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange scallops in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over scallops.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until crumbs are golden and scallops opaque.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook; scallops should be just opaque and still tender.
11. Scallops with Saffron Cream Sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
Saffron cream sauce is the definition of restaurant-level at home. This feels fancy but uses just a little pinch for huge flavor payoff—ideal for anniversaries or whenever you want to seriously impress.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Small pinch saffron threads
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
How to Make It:
- Soak saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water.
- Sear scallops in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and season.
- Deglaze pan with wine, reduce by half.
- Add saffron (and soaking water), and cream; simmer 4 minutes.
- Plate sauce, top with scallops, and sprinkle with chives.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
12. Spicy Cajun Scallops with Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
For fans of big flavors, this Cajun version brings a smoky-spicy kick that’s deeply satisfying. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd or prep ahead for a lively weeknight.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, as needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Paprika, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Pat scallops dry, toss with Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat oil in skillet, sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnish with green onions and paprika.
Budget-Friendly Tip: You can swap half the scallops for shrimp for a more affordable dinner.
13. Parmesan Scallop Gratin
Why You’ll Love It:
This is ultimate comfort food with a little flair—scallops baked under a golden, cheesy crumb. Perfect for a chilly night or a cozy dinner party with a bottle of white wine.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter, 1/4 cup parmesan, and parsley.
- Place scallops in baking dish, season with salt and pepper.
- Top with mozzarella, remaining parmesan, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Personal Note: My family loves this bubbly gratin on cold nights with a green salad.
14. Scallop Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Why You’ll Love It:
For a fun, hands-on dinner, these scallop tacos are fresh and a little unexpected. The sweet shellfish and crunchy slaw are a great match—perfect for summer or casual gatherings.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
How to Make It:
- Toss cabbage with cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and pinch of salt.
- Pat scallops dry, season, and sear in oil 2–3 minutes per side.
- Warm tortillas, fill with scallops, slaw, and avocado.
Swap This With That: You can swap the mayo in the slaw for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
15. Herb-Crusted Scallops over White Bean Purée
Why You’ll Love It:
For a rustic yet fancy feel, this dish marries scallops with a creamy bean base and a herby crust. It’s filling without being heavy and works well any time of year.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1½ pounds sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
How to Make It:
- Toss panko with fresh herbs and a tablespoon olive oil.
- Pat scallops dry, press tops into herb panko mixture.
- Sear scallops crust-side down 2–3 minutes, flip and finish 1 minutes.
- Purée beans with broth, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth; warm gently.
- Spoon purée into bowls, top with scallops and a drizzle of olive oil.
Meal Prep Tip: White bean purée can be made a day ahead and gently reheated.
FAQ
How do you get a perfect sear on scallops at home?
Pat scallops really dry with paper towels, season, and use a hot pan with enough oil. Don’t crowd the pan, and once you put them in, let them sear undisturbed for those 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I use frozen scallops for these recipes?
Yes, you can! Thaw them overnight in the fridge first, then pat super dry before cooking to get a good sear.
What sides go best with scallops?
Simple sides like mashed potatoes, risotto, roasted asparagus, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad work wonderfully—they let the scallops shine without overpowering them.
How do I know when scallops are done?
Scallops turn opaque and firm up when cooked—they only need a few minutes each side. Avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Conclusion
Scallops have a way of making dinner feel like an occasion, whether you’re eating by candlelight or just spicing up a midweek meal. With these 12+ scallops dinner recipes that feel restaurant-quality, you’ll have more than enough ideas to keep things exciting and delicious at home. Don’t be intimidated—scallops are easier to cook than you might think, and a little creativity with sauces or sides goes a long way. The best part? Restaurant-quality doesn’t mean complicated—it just means you’re treating yourself (and maybe someone special) to a seriously good meal. So go ahead, try something new, and let your kitchen feel a little more like your favorite restaurant.
