Delicious Diver Scallop Appetizers: Best Recipes for Your Party

by Oleg Nikitenko November 19, 2024

Cooking Scallops: Deep Recipes

Scallops are a prized seafood delicacy, known for their sweet, tender meat and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a quick family dinner, scallops offer endless culinary possibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore deeply detailed scallop recipes, cooking techniques, and pairing suggestions while optimizing the content for maximum SEO performance.

Dive in to discover how to prepare scallops like a pro and learn why this shellfish is the star of any seafood menu.

Why Scallops Are the Perfect Seafood Choice

Scallops are revered for their exceptional taste, texture, and health benefits:

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly nutty, and buttery.
  • Health Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Versatility: Perfect for appetizers, main courses, or salads.

For the freshest scallops, always source premium-quality options like Jumbo Sea Scallops or Hokkaido Scallops from trusted seafood suppliers.

1. Classic Pan-Seared Scallops Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of fresh scallops
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon wedges

Preparation Steps:

  1. Prep the Scallops: Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Remove the tough side muscle.
  2. Season: Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the Pan: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Sear: Place scallops in the pan without crowding. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Pro Tip:

To achieve the perfect crust, ensure the scallops are thoroughly dried before cooking.

2. Creamy Garlic Scallops Over Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of scallops
  • 12 ounces of linguine or fettuccine
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sear Scallops: Sear scallops as in the first recipe and set them aside.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
  4. Combine: Toss the pasta in the sauce. Add scallops on top and garnish with parsley.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Pro Tip:

For added flavor, deglaze the skillet with white wine before adding cream.

3. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Maple Glaze

Ingredients:

  • 12 large scallops
  • 6 slices of bacon, halved
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Toothpicks

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F.
  2. Wrap Scallops: Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  3. Glaze: Brush scallops with maple syrup for a sweet finish.
  4. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
  5. Serve: Serve warm with a dipping sauce, such as a tangy aioli.

Pro Tip:

Par-cook bacon slightly to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking the scallops.

4. Scallop and Mango Ceviche

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound scallops, diced
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Marinate Scallops: Combine scallops and citrus juices in a bowl. Let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to “cook.”
  2. Mix Ingredients: Add mango, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the scallops. Stir well.
  3. Serve: Spoon ceviche into martini glasses or over crispy tortilla chips.

Pro Tip:

Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing appetizer.

5. Smoked Scallops with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound scallops
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup herb butter (garlic, parsley, chives)
  • Applewood or cherrywood chips for smoking

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Smoker: Heat to 225°F and soak wood chips in water.
  2. Prepare Scallops: Lightly coat scallops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Smoke: Place scallops on the smoker rack. Smoke for 30–40 minutes.
  4. Add Butter: Melt herb butter and drizzle over scallops before serving.

Pro Tip:

Pair smoked scallops with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine.

Scallop Pairing Suggestions

Pair your scallop dishes with these perfect accompaniments:

  • Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Champagne.
  • Side Dishes: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad.
  • Sauces: Lemon butter sauce, hollandaise, or basil pesto.

Where to Buy the Best Scallops

For exceptional quality, shop at Global Seafoods , offering a wide range of scallops, including:

Explore our YouTube Channel for video recipes and cooking inspiration.

Conclusion

Cooking scallops doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these detailed recipes and using top-quality ingredients, you can create restaurant-worthy dishes at home. Whether you’re searing scallops for a simple dinner or preparing an elegant appetizer, the versatility of scallops ensures a delicious outcome every time.

Ready to elevate your seafood game? Shop for premium scallops at Global Seafoods and start cooking like a pro!

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