Southern scallops are a staple in many coastal regions, and for good reason. Not only are they a delicious and versatile seafood option, but they are also a great source of protein and essential nutrients. In this article, we will dive into the details of a mouth-watering southern scallops recipe that will have you craving more. From selecting the freshest scallops to mastering the perfect sear, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning seafood connoisseur. So, grab your apron and get ready to elevate your cooking game with this delectable dish!
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Butter, Crushed Ritz Crackers, Minced Garlic
For a twist on the traditional beer can chicken, try this recipe for baked scallops. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large baking dish, place a layer of fresh scallops and top with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and slightly golden. Serve with a side of your favorite roasted vegetables for a delicious and hearty meal.
2of 20
Asian Style Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this Asian-inspired scallop recipe. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of rice and top with sliced green onions for a burst of flavor.
3of 20
Scallops Wrapped in Bacon
Main Ingredients: Smoked Bacon, Scallops, Brown Sugar, Salt, Ground Black
For a decadent twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe for scallops wrapped in bacon. In a large skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bacon is fully cooked. Serve as a delicious appetizer or main dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
4of 20
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Olive Oil, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Garlic
This simple recipe for lemon garlic scallops is a great addition to any beer can chicken feast. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of linguine pasta for a delicious and light meal.
5of 20
Simple Pan Seared Scallops
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Scallops, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious beer can chicken dinner, try this recipe for simple pan seared scallops. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned. Serve with a side of rice pilaf and fresh steamed vegetables for a quick and tasty meal.
6of 20
Garlic Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Olive Oil, Melted Butter, Garlic, White Wine
For a flavorful addition to your beer can chicken night, try this recipe for garlic scallops. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of quinoa for a healthy and tasty meal.
7of 20
Amazing Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Scallops, Garlic Cloves, Heavy Cream
This recipe for creamy Tuscan garlic scallops is sure to impress your dinner guests. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream until the sauce thickens. Add the scallops back to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of pasta for a delicious and indulgent meal.
8of 20
Carbonara with Pan Seared Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Olive Oil, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Thick Cut
For a twist on the classic Italian dish, try this recipe for carbonara with pan seared scallops. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a large skillet, cook pancetta or bacon until slightly crisp. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the pancetta and scallops. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss until the eggs are cooked and the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Serve hot.
9of 20
Lemon Butter Scallops
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Scallops, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
This recipe for lemon butter scallops is simple yet flavorful. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate bowl, mix together lemon juice, melted butter, and fresh parsley. Pour the mixture over the scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a delicious and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Bacon, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Black Pepper
For a hearty and indulgent beer can chicken dinner, try this recipe for bacon wrapped scallops. In a large skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bacon is fully cooked. Serve as a delicious appetizer or main dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
11of 20
Creamy Garlic Scallops with Pasta
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Olive Oil, Butter, Chopped Fresh Parsley
This recipe for creamy garlic scallops with pasta is the perfect comfort food for a chilly beer can chicken night. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package instructions. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture over the scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve the scallops and sauce over the cooked pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
12of 20
Scallops & Grits
Main Ingredients: Sea Scallops, Butter, Olive Oil, Old Fashioned Grits
This Southern-inspired dish is a delicious addition to any beer can chicken dinner. In a large skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked bacon and scallops back to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of creamy grits for a delicious and comforting meal.
13of 20
Grilled Scallops and Grits
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Panko, Garlic Clove, Fresh Thyme
If you prefer to cook your beer can chicken on the grill, try this recipe for grilled scallops and grits. Start by cooking grits according to package instructions. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Brush the scallops with the mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked bacon and grilled scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve the scallops and sauce over the cooked grits for a delicious and hearty meal.
14of 20
Magic Crispy Baked Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Dry White Wine, Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic
These crispy baked scallops are a tasty and easy addition to your beer can chicken menu. Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Dip each scallop in the butter mixture and then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place the scallops on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden and the scallops are cooked through. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.
15of 20
Garlic Herb Seared Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Salt, Cracked Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Flat
For a burst of flavor at your beer can chicken dinner, try this recipe for garlic herb seared scallops. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Add minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of wild rice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
16of 20
Cajun Scallops and Cheesy Grits
Main Ingredients: Water, Whole Milk, Creole Seasoning, Corn Grits
This Cajun-inspired dish is a delicious and spicy addition to your beer can chicken night. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Brush the scallops with the mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked bacon and grilled scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve the scallops and sauce over a bed of cheesy grits for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Lemon Butter Pan Seared Scallops
Main Ingredients: Scallops, Avocado Oil, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Parsley
This recipe for lemon butter pan seared scallops is simple yet delicious. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate bowl, mix together lemon juice, melted butter, and fresh herbs. Pour the mixture over the scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of quinoa for a healthy and tasty meal.
18of 20
Cajun Scallops with Grits and Tomatoes CARLA HALL
Main Ingredients: Water, Stone Ground Grits, Bay Leaf, Freshly Ground
This recipe from celebrity chef Carla Hall is a flavorful and unique twist on beer can chicken. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Brush the scallops with the mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. In a separate skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Add the grilled scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over a bed of creamy grits for a delicious and spicy meal.
19of 20
Seared Scallops with Cheesy Grits and Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Grits, Whole Milk, Water, Shredded Sharp Cheddar
This indulgent recipe for seared scallops with cheesy grits and bacon is perfect for a special beer can chicken dinner. In a large skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked bacon and scallops back to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve the scallops and sauce over a bed of cheesy grits for a decadent and delicious meal.
20of 20
Bacon Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Scallops, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
For a delicious and indulgent addition to your beer can chicken menu, try this recipe for bacon scallops with garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, cook bacon slices until slightly crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the cooked bacon and scallops back to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Serve with a side of rice pilaf and steamed vegetables for a mouth-watering meal.
Selecting the Perfect Scallops
Freshness is Key
When it comes to seafood, freshness is crucial for both taste and safety. When selecting scallops, look for ones that are firm, plump, and have a slightly sweet aroma. Avoid scallops that have a strong fishy smell or are slimy to the touch. If possible, purchase your scallops from a reputable fishmonger or seafood market to ensure the highest quality.
Know Your Varieties
There are two main types of scallops: bay scallops and sea scallops. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter, making them perfect for dishes like ceviche or pasta. Sea scallops are larger and have a more robust flavor, making them ideal for searing or grilling. For this southern scallops recipe, we recommend using sea scallops for their meatier texture and rich taste.
Perfecting the Sear
Patience is Key
The key to achieving a perfect sear on your scallops is to resist the urge to move them around in the pan. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping them to ensure a golden brown crust.
Get the Pan Hot
Scallops are meant to be cooked at a high heat, so make sure your pan is hot before adding them. This will help create a beautiful caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Don't Overcook
Scallops cook quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They are done when they are firm to the touch and have turned opaque. Overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery, so it's best to err on the side of caution and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
Bringing it All Together
Now that you have selected the perfect scallops and mastered the sear, it's time to bring this dish to life. Pair your perfectly cooked scallops with some southern-style grits or a refreshing summer salad for a well-rounded meal. Don't forget to top it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor. With these simple tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and delicious southern scallops dish that is sure to impress.