15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (2024)

We love our packages of frozen shrimp. But for quick weeknight meals, there's more than one shellfish in the sea! It's always nice to have variety, and frozen bay scallops are a great secret weapon. Small, sweet, and tender bay scallops are less expensive than silver dollar-size sea scallops, and they thaw and cook super quickly — keep a package in the freezer and they're always on hand for versatile, family-friendly dinners. We've gathered together some of our very favorite bay scallop recipes, featuring pasta dishes, chowders, risottos, and more!

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Toshi's Noodles with Seared Scallops

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A complete one-dish meal. "This is one of my mom's favorite noodle dishes!" says Diana71. "I've spiced it up a bit with more chili crisp than she would normally use, but it's worth it! The thin spaghetti noodles get an Asian flare, and the mini scallops add a wonderful but subtle seafood flavor. The broccoli is cooked perfectly since it is steamed first."

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Sauteed Mushrooms and Scallops

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Combining bay scallops, mushrooms, onions, and garlic, "this recipe is quick-and-easy to make and requires only one pan to complete," says Evelyn Chartres. It's ready in about 25 minutes.

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Chef John's Bay Scallop Chowder

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15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (1)

This creamy chowder features tender bay scallops, bacon, cubed potatoes, and just the right amount of spice, with a generous splash of cream at the end and a little lemon zest for some zing. "Very easy, incredibly delicious scallop chowder," says Chef John. "If you want a thicker, more traditional chowder base, simply mash some of your potatoes into the mixture."

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Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti

15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (2)

Very fast and easy, these seared bay scallops in a simple sherry cream sauce are ready in about the time it takes the pasta to cook. Chef John says, "I cook the scallops a bit longer than many chefs, but that gives the dish more flavor, and they're still tender and moist. I think you'll agree, the sherry sauce benefits significantly from the longer cook time."

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Pasta with Scallops, Zucchini, and Tomatoes

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15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (3)

Here's a simple and fresh pasta with bay scallops, sautéed zucchini, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped tomatoes, and fresh basil. It's so quick and easy —and ready in about 30 minutes! "I used frozen scallops and they were delicious," says JANETP. "The fresh basil makes it taste like something from a restaurant."

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Baked Scallops

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15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (4)

"Delicious baked scallops with butter and garlic," says John Bragg. "Bay scallops are the little ones and they tend to be sweeter tasting than sea scallops."

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Seared Scallop and Asparagus Salad

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"Great starter for an elegant dinner party or a main course," says ewilson11. "Works well with many different dressings, but I prefer the balsamic. Enjoy!"

08of 16

Scallop, Leek, and Mushroom Chowder

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Here's a rich bay scallop chowder made with mushrooms, garlic, leeks, a splash of sherry, and milk instead of cream. Recipe reviewer Bonnie says, "I transferred the soup base to a slow cooker and let it simmer for an hour or two, then added the scallops an hour or so before I wanted to serve it."

09of 16

Scallop Scampi

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"Scallop Scampi is a healthy and delicious recipe with lots of taste," says NIKKICOM. "Serve with crusty bread and a green salad, if desired. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch at the end."

10of 16

Air Fryer Spicy Bay Scallops

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"These spicy scallops are good on their own or can be served in lettuce wraps, tacos, salads, or served over rice, pasta, etc.," says Soup Loving Nicole. "Serve with lemon wedges if desired."

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Lemon Seafood Risotto

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Here's one that combines bay scallops and shrimp in a creamy risotto seasoned with basil and lemon juice. "Absolutely loved the combination of flavors," says nietsche979. "This is a great launching pad for testing out different ingredients. Excellent. Thanks for the fantastic meal."

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Seafood Piccata

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15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (5)

"Shrimp, bay scallops, and crabmeat sautéed in a white wine and lemon sauce, and tossed with hot cooked pasta shells," says Beth Lewis. "Every time I cook for a large group, this is requested. Great tasting and really simple to make!"

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Scallop Ceviche de Gallo

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"Delicious and easy ceviche. Always a crowd-pleaser!" says Genevieve Johns Seivert. "You can also serve it with tortilla chips as a dip. The action of the acid in the lime juice cooks the scallops, firming the flesh and turning it opaque."

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Cheesy Bay Scallop Puff Pastry Shells

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Stuff pastry shells with a creamy mixture of bay scallops, mushrooms, shallots, tarragon, half-and-half, wine, sherry, mustard, and Parmesan cheese. "Put these out for a game-day buffet, and watch them be the first to leave the table," says lutzflcat. "They're even fancy enough to serve for a special dinner. Garnish with fresh tarragon if desired."

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Scallops with Israeli Couscous

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Top Israeli couscous with bay scallops in a simple butter, olive oil, and white wine sauce with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. The Dubna rates it 5 stars: "Quick and easy and delicious! Definitely worth it!"

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15 Best Recipes That Start with Frozen Bay Scallops (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to cook frozen scallops? ›

Poaching would be my go-to. It is a gentle cooking method that keeps protein moist. Because scallops are fragile, they can easily over cook with less gentle methods. Plus, since they're frozen, you can cook them right away and they can thaw/cook without disturbing the cooking process.

Should you thaw frozen scallops before cooking? ›

Before cooking scallops from the frozen section of your market or your freezer, they must be thawed. It takes several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw scallops at room temperature. Rinse and pat dry.

How do you deal with frozen scallops? ›

Defrosting scallops overnight in the refrigerator is the best way to preserve the integrity of the seafood. This is also the safest way to thaw frozen scallops, since they'll gradually defrost in controlled, cool temperatures that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Do you rinse bay scallops before cooking? ›

Give your scallops a quick rinse to remove any grit, then thoroughly pat dry with a few paper towels, as excess moisture will inhibit searing. For added insurance, you can dry your scallops in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.

Can you cook scallops straight from the freezer? ›

In fact, many chefs recommend cooking them directly from frozen for the best results. Thawing can cause the scallops to release excess moisture, resulting in a less flavorful and less tender texture.

Are frozen scallops worth buying? ›

If you do decide to go with a frozen scallop, this is actually a great option. As long as they aren't kept for too long, and they are properly defrosted before being cooked, the end product can be just as delicious as a fresh scallop.

How many scallops per person? ›

Serving size: 8-11 medium scallops make a 3oz portion. With 40-60 in a pound and up to 11 in a single serving, these medium scallops provide a sweet, delicate bite that's perfect for enjoying whole. Medium scallops can be seared, broiled, stir-fried, or skewered for kabobs.

Why do you thaw scallops in milk? ›

The best way to defrost scallops is in the refrigerator over night by soaking them in milk. The milk removes any fishy or freezer taste that may be in the scallops.

How do you get water out of frozen scallops? ›

Cover the bowl with a paper towel.

The paper towel helps to absorb any steam or moisture that could change the texture of the scallops. Thin paper towels can get soaked and may dissolve when they come into contact with the scallops as they defrost. Use a thick, three-ply paper towel.

How do you cook frozen scallops without shrinking them? ›

  1. Take the scallops, thawed if frozen, and place them on a paper towel. ...
  2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over high heat.
  3. Once the pan is very hot, add the oil.
  4. Place each scallop carefully into the oil and cook untouched for 2 minutes.
Feb 27, 2016

How do you get the fishy taste out of frozen scallops? ›

Therefore, fresh scallops will smell fishy after leaving them together with other meats in the freezer for too long. So, there are some ways you can get rid of the smell. Soak it in the milk for about 10-20 minutes and tap it dry. Marinate the scallops with some fresh / grated ginger with salt and pepper.

Why do you soak scallops in milk? ›

Scallops, like many other types of seafood, can have a mild fishy odor that some people find off-putting. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent.

Is it better to sear or bake scallops? ›

Because sea scallops have a chewier texture, searing them in a hot skillet is the simplest, most effective cooking method to achieving a crisp exterior and tender, just-firm texture within. Basting the scallops with butter helps finish cooking them and enhances browning, too.

Which is better sea or bay scallops? ›

Sea scallops are found in deeper waters than bay scallops, and they're harvested year-round. They are larger in diameter, usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches. While still sweet and tender, sea scallops can be chewier than bay scallops and aren't as sweet. Sea scallops are more expensive than bay scallops.

What is the best cooking method for scallops? ›

extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot and shimmering. Use tongs to gently place the scallops in the pan, leaving plenty of room around each scallop. Cook scallops, undisturbed (repeat: do not move them), until they are deeply golden-brown on the first side, 3–4 minutes.

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