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    Home » Sides » What To Serve With Seared Scallops – 13 delicious ideas!

    What To Serve With Seared Scallops – 13 delicious ideas!

    Published: Jan 10, 2022 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Pan-seared scallops are a delicious yet easy dinner option that require such little time. If you are searching for ideas about what to serve with seared scallops, read on for 13+ delicious and easy ideas!

    Seared scallops in a skillet.

    Scallops are a no-fail dinner option to make any night of the week, as well as for a special occasion. Not only are they ridiculously delicious and drool-worthy, they are also a breeze to throw together.

    My husband and I could live on sea scallops and I wish we had an endless supply in our fridge and freezer at all times. For those times when we do splurge and make them at home, we have a list of ideas about what to serve with seared scallops (because this is our favorite way to enjoy them).

    FAQ About Scallops

    What are scallops?

    Like mussels and clams, scallops are considered bivalve mollusks that live in the sea. There are many types of scallops, but most can be found in deep waters on the ocean bottom.

    Are scallops shellfish?

    Yes, scallops are shellfish. There are two varieties of shellfish:
    crustacea: crab, lobster, shrimp
    mollusks: scallops, oysters, clams, mussels

    What do scallops taste like?

    The flavor of cooked sea scallops is similar to that of lobster and crab meat, but with a firmer texture. Like lobster and crab, scallops have a delicate texture that tastes buttery, sweet and flavorful.

    Are scallops healthy?

    With a low calorie count and high protein and vitamin B12 content, scallops are a very healthy food to incorporate into your diet.

    Best Pan Seared Scallops Recipe

    Pan Seared Scallops are decadent and delicious, yet one of the easiest dinners around! The simple, savory sauce that they are seared in is out-of-this-world delicious! Serve with lemon wedges and pour the browned bits in the pan over top!

    Fresh scallops in a pan in a single layer.

    Tips for Cooking Scallops

    • The most important piece of advice: DO NOT OVERCOOK. This variety of seafood cooks very quickly, so sear scallops for 2 minutes per side only. Melt butter or oil first in a hot pan over medium-high heat for best results. Overcooked scallops are rubbery and not nearly as enjoyable. Be sure to set a timer as they cook!
    • Before cooking, pat wet scallops dry using paper towels.
    • If using frozen scallops, allow them to thaw completely in the fridge before making the recipe. If you don’t have time for this step, place them while frozen in a plastic bag and let sit in a bowl of cold water until thawed.
    • Season scallops with lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, olive oil, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, salt or black pepper.
    • Once seared and plated, topping options could include feta cheese crumbles, pine nuts, bacon bits or a simple salt and pepper sprinkling.
    • Give this seafood a good sear in butter, olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil in a single layer in a large skillet.

    What To Serve With Seared Scallops – Best Side Dishes

    This brand of seafood is light and versatile, making it a perfect pair for many side dishes.

    • Steak and/or shrimp – Scallops are made better by adding more seafood! Pan sear the shrimp in the same pan. Grill or broil steaks to desired doneness and have them all join forces in the most delicious surf and turf style dinner.
    • Fresh vegetables – Just about any veggie on the planet accompanies scallops perfectly. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, mushrooms, zucchini, cabbage, carrots, fresh cherry tomatoes, cauliflower puree, green beans and fresh asparagus are great choices.
    • Salad – A fresh, leafy green salad tastes great after a bite of this light seafood meal. Or quickly throw together an edamame tomato salad for the perfect match.
    • Coleslaw – A fresh pile of coleslaw is such a delish recipe to pile next to this light, tasty seafood.
    • Guacamole – Freshly-made guac piled on top are the perfect pairing!
    • Corn – Corn on the cob or any corn side accompany this dish well.
    • Rice – Brown or white rice make the perfect side dish, or even a low-carb version such as cauliflower mushroom rice.
    • Lentils – Lentils are a hearty yet delicious side that go well with scallops.
    • Polenta – Polenta is a great choice and a very complementary side dish to pair alongside sea scallops.
    • Risotto – This dish provides the perfectly subtle flavor to bring out the savory tastes from the main dish.
    • Pasta – Cooked pasta of any variety make the perfect complement to pan-seared scallops. Angel hair pasta, penne, spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine are all great options. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs.
    • Potatoes – Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes or even French fries are all great options.
    • White wine – Don’t forget to pour a refreshing cold glass of wine to enjoy along with the main dish!

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    Quinoa Edamame Salad is great for parties and can be served in throw-away cups for serving ease. Also great as a salad to have in the fridge all week! Packed with fresh fruit and veggies and it is so healthy and delicious.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Janette

      January 11, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      I love scallops and there are so many delicious side options. Thank you for featuring my risotto.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 12, 2022 at 1:37 am

        The risotto looks amazing! Definitely a must have.

        Reply

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