10 Unique Recipes for Cooking Live Scallops: Elevate Your Seafood Experience

by Oleg Nikitenko December 06, 2024

Live Scallops Recipes

Scallops are a seafood delicacy cherished for their sweet flavor and delicate texture. Whether you’re cooking jumbo sea scallops or live Alaskan pink scallops, there’s no shortage of ways to prepare them. From searing and grilling to baking and poaching, these 10 unique recipes will inspire you to bring out the best in your scallops.

This guide explores innovative scallop recipes, diving into techniques, flavors, and the best ways to pair them with sides and sauces for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why Live Scallops Are the Ultimate Choice for Seafood Lovers

1. Freshness Matters

Cooking live scallops ensures maximum freshness, resulting in unparalleled flavor and texture.

2. Nutritional Powerhouse

Scallops are low in calories and rich in protein, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Nutrient Per 100g Serving
Calories ~90 kcal
Protein 17g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.2–0.3g
Vitamin B12 1.4 mcg (58% DV)
Selenium 24 mcg (43% DV)

Pro Tip: Use high-quality options like Hokkaido Scallops for recipes that demand fresh, premium ingredients.

10 Unique Recipes for Live Scallops

1. Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

Perfect for a quick yet elegant dish, pan-seared scallops create a golden crust that locks in their natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops (e.g., Jumbo Sea Scallops )
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Clean and pat scallops dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add scallops, spacing them apart, and sear for 2 minutes per side.
  4. Remove scallops from the pan. Lower heat and melt butter in the same skillet.
  5. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice.
  6. Drizzle the sauce over the scallops and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Pair this dish with sautéed asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.

2. Grilled Scallops with Mango Salsa

Grilling scallops brings out their natural smokiness, while the mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops (e.g., Hokkaido Scallops )
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Toss scallops in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Thread scallops onto skewers for easy grilling.
  4. Grill scallops for 2 minutes per side or until they turn opaque.
  5. In a bowl, combine mango, onion, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  6. Serve scallops topped with mango salsa.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder to the mango salsa for a spicy twist.

3. Scallop and Spinach Risotto

This creamy risotto is infused with the delicate flavor of scallops, making it a perfect comfort dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops (e.g., Alaskan Pink Scallops )
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet and sear scallops for 1 minute per side. Set aside.
  2. In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter and sauté Arborio rice for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add white wine and stir until absorbed. Gradually add chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
  4. Once the rice is creamy and tender, stir in spinach and Parmesan.
  5. Top the risotto with seared scallops and serve.

Pro Tip: Use seafood stock instead of chicken stock for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Baked Scallops with Parmesan Crust

This decadent recipe combines the sweetness of scallops with a crispy, cheesy topping.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Arrange scallops in a greased baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and melted butter.
  4. Sprinkle the mixture over the scallops.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
  6. Garnish with paprika before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve with a side of lemon wedges for added brightness.

5. Poached Scallops in White Wine Sauce

Poaching scallops ensures a delicate and tender texture while infusing them with the flavors of wine and aromatics.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops
  • 2 cups white wine
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, simmer white wine and shallots over medium heat.
  2. Add scallops and poach gently for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn opaque.
  3. Remove scallops and whisk butter into the poaching liquid to create a sauce.
  4. Drizzle the sauce over the scallops and garnish with parsley.

Pro Tip: Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a light meal.

6. Scallop Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

These tacos are bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for casual dining.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops
  • 6 small tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

  1. Sear scallops in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes per side.
  2. In a bowl, mix cabbage, lime juice, sour cream, and cumin to make the slaw.
  3. Warm the tortillas and assemble tacos with scallops and slaw.

Pro Tip: Add avocado slices or a drizzle of spicy aioli for extra flavor.

7. Scallop Chowder

A rich and hearty dish, scallop chowder is perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
  2. Add chicken stock and potatoes; simmer until tender.
  3. Stir in scallops and heavy cream, cooking for 5 minutes.
  4. Serve with crusty bread.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

8. Asian-Style Scallops with Soy Ginger Glaze

This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors for a quick and impressive dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Sear scallops in sesame oil for 1–2 minutes per side.
  2. Combine soy sauce, honey, and ginger; pour over the scallops.
  3. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, basting the scallops with the glaze.

Pro Tip: Serve over steamed jasmine rice.

9. Smoked Scallop Salad

This light and flavorful salad combines the smoky richness of scallops with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a starter or a main dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound smoked scallops (e.g., Smoked Weathervane Scallops )
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onions
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Arrange mixed greens on a large plate or bowl.
  2. Top with smoked scallops, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cheese, and nuts.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
  4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: For a burst of citrus, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the vinaigrette.

10. Scallop Ceviche

This no-cook recipe is ideal for hot days and highlights the freshness of live scallops. The acidity of lime juice gently “cooks” the scallops, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound live scallops (e.g., Alaskan Pink Scallops )
  • Juice of 4 limes
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Clean scallops and dice them into small, even pieces.
  2. Place scallops in a glass bowl and cover with lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the scallops turn opaque.
  3. Drain excess lime juice and mix in red onion, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on lettuce leaves for a light appetizer.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add diced mango or avocado to the ceviche.

FAQs About Cooking Live Scallops

1. How do I know if scallops are cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch, usually after 2–4 minutes of cooking.

2. Can I freeze live scallops?

Yes, but fresh scallops are best. If freezing, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

3. What’s the best way to clean live scallops?

Shuck the scallops, remove any grit or sand, and rinse under cold water.

YouTube Channel Link:
Watch scallop recipes and tips on the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

Shop Premium Scallops for Your Recipes

Conclusion
Cooking live scallops opens the door to a world of culinary possibilities. With these 10 unique recipes, you can explore different flavors and techniques to create memorable dishes for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling, poaching, or searing, scallops are a versatile seafood that always impresses.

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