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."

02of 16

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."

05of 16

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."

06of 16

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."

07of 16

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."

11of 16

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."

12of 16

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? ›

Yes, you can cook frozen scallops without thawing them first. 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.

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.

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 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.

What happens if you don't thaw scallops? ›

Frozen scallops can take on a rubbery, chewy texture if they're cooked before they have fully defrosted. If your scallops haven't fully defrosted after 24 hours, cover them again with plastic wrap and put them back into the refrigerator for another 6 hours.

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.

How many scallops per person? ›

How many scallops should you serve? If you're serving scallops as a main course with sides, plan on around 6 ounces per person. That would be 4-6 large (U10) sea scallops and 8-10 medium sized.

Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

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.

How do you know when Bay scallops are done? ›

Scallops are quick-cooking shellfish, so it's key not to overcook them or they'll dry out. Generally, sea scallops take between 3 and 5 minutes to cook. How to know when scallops are done cooking? They'll be golden brown on both sides, just-firm at the edges and opaque and succulent in the center.

Can you eat 2 year old frozen scallops? ›

Any frozen fish or shellfish will be safe indefinitely; however, the flavor and texture will lessen after lengthy storage. For best quality, freeze (0 °F / -17.8 °C or less) cooked fish for up to 3 months. Frozen raw fish is best used within 3 to 8 months; shellfish, 3 to 12 months.

What are the cons of scallops? ›

Potential Risks of Scallops

As scallops are a member of the shellfish family, avoid them if you have an allergy to seafood like oysters, mussels, and clams. Scallops contain purine, a compound that can form kidney stones in people who have a sensitivity to it. In high amounts, the purine can also cause gout.

How many pounds scallops per person? ›

We recommend a half pound per person. If you're adding these scallops into a soup or salad, use substantially less per person.

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? ›

Use Milk. Thawing out fish fillets in milk is another great overnight hack! Again, this should be done in the refrigerator, not out on the counter, but the fat in milk helps further remove any “fishy” flavors and adds a milk sweetness to the flesh. Just make sure to use either whole or 2% milk.

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