Four scallops on a black backdrop, topped with a vibrant green Vietnamese herb sauce

How do you cook scallops?

Scallops are great seared, pan fried, barbecued, grilled or cooked in their shell.

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.

Scallop recipes

Jump to:
Scallop in the shell recipes
Scallop starter recipes
Scallop main recipes

Scallops in the shell recipes

Grilled scallops with ’nduja butter

Start your meal with a bang and serve these flavour-packed, spicy scallops in their shells. Check out more irresistible 'nduja recipes.

Grilled Scallops Recipe with ’Nduja Butter

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. Discover more Peruvian recipes to try.

A small white tray filled with scallops in their shells with wedges of lime on top

Queen scallops with sauternes butter

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

Queen Scallops Recipe with Sauternes Butter Sauce

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. Try more Vietnamese recipes next.

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.

Wood-fired scallops, parsley and garlic butter

This simple but impressive starter only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time, and comes from the restaurant at The Double Red Duke hotel in the Cotswolds.

A round plate with three scallops on a table with a white napkin

Scallop, celeriac and shiitake

Jackson Boxer serves this seafood starter at his Hebrides-inspired Notting Hill restaurant, Orasay. Here's how to make it at home for your next dinner party.

Scallops Recipe with Celeriac and Mushrooms

Scallops Mornay

This classic recipe from Valentine Warner for sweet scallops in a bubbling cheese sauce makes for an indulgent starter or lighter meal for two.

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.

Seared Scallops With Brown Butter And Cauliflower 'Risotto'

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.

A sophisticated plate of food including seared scallops and nasturtium leaves

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. Next, try our sea bass ceviche recipe with blood orange and pistachios.