Easy recipes with scallops
Got scallops and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Pan-Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Thyme
12 min Serves 4weeknightseafoodelegant
Pan-Seared Scallops with Burst Tomatoes and Basil
12 min Serves 2weeknightseafoodlight
Chili-Garlic Scallops with Crispy Sage
weeknightseafoodspicy
Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter and Crispy Breadcrumbs
15 min Serves 2weeknightone-panseafood
Pan-Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage
12 min Serves 2weeknightelegantseafood
Pan-Seared Scallops with Ginger-Citrus Glaze
12 min Serves 2weeknightseafoodbright
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Thyme
12 min Serves 4weeknightseafoodclassic
Pan-Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage
10 min Serves 2weeknightlightseafood
Common questions
- How long does it take to cook scallops?
- Scallops cook very quickly—just 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they develop a golden crust and are opaque throughout. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch them closely.
- Can I substitute scallops with something cheaper?
- Yes, shrimp and mussels are great budget-friendly alternatives that cook similarly and work well in most scallop recipes. You can also use firm white fish like cod or halibut if you chop it into similar-sized pieces.
- How should I store fresh scallops?
- Keep scallops in the coldest part of your refrigerator in a sealed container on ice, and use them within 1-2 days for best quality. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What are good side dishes to serve with scallops?
- Light sides work best—try roasted asparagus, pasta with lemon butter, risotto, or a fresh green salad to let the delicate scallop flavor shine. Garlic bread or crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any pan sauce.
- How can I make scallop recipes healthier?
- Pan-sear scallops in just a teaspoon of olive oil instead of butter, and serve with vegetable sides instead of heavy starches. Scallops are already high in protein and low in fat, so simply avoiding creamy sauces keeps the dish naturally healthy.