Easy scallop recipes

How to sear scallops: You sear scallops by heating a frying pan, griddle or barbecue until very hot. Toss the scallops in a little oil and season. Cook for 30 seconds on each side until just caramelised, then remove from the pan.

How to pan-fry scallops: To pan fry the scallops, heat a frying pan over a high heat, season and toss in oil. Cook for a minute on the first side until caramelised, then add a knob of butter, flip the scallops and cook for a minute more.

How do you prepare scallops?

Remove the scallop and its row and skirt from its shell. Peel off the skirt from around the scallop and discard. Run under gently running cold water to remove any grit. You should be left with the scallop meat and its row attached.

Scallop recipes

Scallops in the shell recipes

Grilled scallops with ’nduja butter

Start Christmas dinner with a bang and serve these flavour-packed, spicy scallops in their shells.

Peruvian scallops

A crowd-pleaser of a dish at barbecues, why not give this simple recipe for Peruvian scallops a go, served with coriander and lime.

Queen scallops with sauternes butter

Try this buttery scallop recipe from littlefrench, an intimate neighbourhood restaurant in Bristol serving sumptuous regional French recipes.

Scallop shell pies

We serve these pretty pies in their original scallop shell and top with flaky puff pastry, a perfect way to impress guests.

Queenie scallops baked in the shell

Want a simple scallop recipe to serve as a starter? This recipe for baked-in-the-shell queenie scallops is impressive and luxurious.

Scallops with Vietnamese herb sauce

These grilled scallops are super easy to make, low in calories and look impressive. Served with a vibrant Vietnamese herb sauce, this scallop recipe is super fresh and a great starter for two.

BBQ scallops

Check out our easy scallop recipe, perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner party starter. You’ll need to get scallops in shells from a fishmonger – ask them to clean them for you and keep the shells for cooking. If you’re grilling, use little beds of coarse salt to keep the scallops level.

Scallop starter recipes

Seared scallops with brown butter and cauli 'risotto'

This recipe for seared scallops with brown butter and cauli 'risotto' makes a great gluten-free starter that feels really indulgent.

Scandinavian scallops

Try this sophisticated starter for two where scallops, leeks and reindeer sit on a bed of mussel sauce. This recipe comes from Joni Ketonen, the Finnish head chef at Eldr restaurant in Belgravia.

Scallop ceviche

Try fresh scallops marinated in lime juice. Originating from South America, ceviche is an easy recipe to make at home. Serve as an appetiser or smart supper for two.

Scallops with butternut purée and sage butter

This recipe for scallops with butternut purée and sage butter makes for an easy but impressive starter. You can thank us later.

Scallop main course ideas

Scallop and prawn risotto

Our impressive seafood risotto recipe includes prawns and scallops for a rich entertaining idea for seafood lovers. Check out more risotto recipes here...

Scallops with charred leeks and basil

Cook scallops for a special meal for two. Just five ingredients; leeks, scallops, oil, basil and cherry tomatoes and it takes 30 minutes from start to finish.