Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (2024)

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This scallops recipe is so simple, yet delicious enough for company!

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (1)

Scallops are one of those things I’ve always been a bit nervous to cook at home. For some reason, because they aren’t the least expensive type of seafood, I felt they were better kept for enjoying at restaurants. Boy was I wrong!

A few months ago I discovered the Jumbo Sea Scallopsin the freezer aisle at Trader Joe’s. Since I’m in Kansas, getting fresh scallops is next to impossible, but finding frozen scallops that are high quality, taste as good as fresh and are reasonably priced is a possibility now. I’m so happy!

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (2)

Since the discovery of the Trader Joe’s Jumbo Scallops, I’ve overcome my fear of cooking scallops at home and have discovered how great they can be for a quick meal! Take this simple scallops recipe as an example. It’s so easy and quick – it makes a great weeknight dinner or it even is a great scallops recipe for company.

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (3)

As delicious as scallops are over pasta, I have to say I really love them even more over zucchini noodles (or zoodles). If you need a quick primer on the best way to make Zucchini Noodles, Ali has some great tips! The sauce from this scallops recipe combined with the cooked zucchini noodles and scallops is such a perfect combination. I hope you’ll give it a try and will love it as much as I do! Enjoy!

If you are looking for a great vegetable spiralizer, I highly recommend this one

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (4)

Also – there’s just something special about this San Francisco Salt Co. Ultimate Blend gourmet salt paired with seafood. Definitely give it a try!

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (5)

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

Simple Scallops Recipe

A simple scallops recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner or elegant enough for company!

Course Main

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Dine & Dish

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon San Francisco Salt Co Ultimate Blend Salt or 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 pound sea scallops
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced

Instructions

  • Pat dry scallops with a paper towel.

  • In a shallow bowl, toss bread crumbs with salt. Dip scallops in crumb mixture to coat both sides. Shake off excess crumb.

  • In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add scallops; cook 1-1/2 to 2 minutes on each side or until firm and opaque. Remove from pan; keep warm.

  • Add chicken broth, lemon juice and garlic to same pan; bring to a boil.

  • Place scallops over sautéed zucchini noodles and drizzle sauce over scallops; serve immediately.

Notes

Adapted from Taste of Home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (7)Dawn Logterman says

    After seeing this recipe I went to Trader Joe’s and got some scallops to make for dinner. These scallops were delicious! You were right, the zucchini noodles really added the right touch.

  2. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (8)Mary France says

    I love it. I am always trying to find excuses to make zucchini noodles- cannot wait to use this one!

  3. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (9)anna says

    Iturned out absolutely delicious! Thanks for the wonderful recipe

  4. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (10)Monalisa Matache says

    cherish it. I am continually endeavoring to discover reasons to make zucchini noodles-can’t hold up to utilize this one!

  5. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (11)sharon george says

    Recipe doesn’t say when to cook zoodles. Should this happen between step #4 and #5? I will try almond to replace bread crumbs to make it paleo. Thanks for this recipe.

  6. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (12)Nichole says

    Hi, do you defrost the scallops first or cook frozen?

  7. Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (13)Leslie Cochrum says

    Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (14)
    I’m not normally a zoodles person, but these paired perfectly with the scallops. In fact, I think I now like scallops more with zoodles than with regular pasta! We threw this together at the last moment as an extra dish last night (we had some Weathervane scallops in the freezer we needed to use, from this brand: https://lummiislandwild.com/our-seafood/alaskan-weathervane-scallops/), and it was a hit with both kids AND adults. Loved it.

Simple Scallops Recipe Over Zucchini Noodles (2024)

FAQs

What vegetables pair well with scallops? ›

ROASTED OR GRILLED VEGETABLES

If you are looking for a simple way to make the most extraordinary meal, try roasted spring vegetables or grilled broccoli with your scallop dish. These dishes give a flavorful and tastiest pair with scallops.

How do you cook zoodles so they're not soggy? ›

Tip 5: Don't over-cook your noodles

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

Should 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.

Should you rinse scallops before frying? ›

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.

What should I put on my scallops? ›

Regardless of season you can't go wrong when cooking scallops with white wine or bacon, in a garlic butter sauce, or a simple seasoning of sea salt and black pepper. If you're working with frozen scallops, thaw them in the fridge and dry well before cooking.

Should you salt zucchini noodles before cooking? ›

Should I Salt Zucchini Noodles? Don't pre-salt your zucchini noodles. First of all, one of the benefits of spiralizing is that it's SO quick (just spiralize, cook, and enjoy pasta in under 5 minutes!). Salting adds extra prep work.

Are you supposed to boil zucchini noodles? ›

Don't! We like our regular pasta with a nice al dente bite, and the same goes for cooking zoodles! If you serve a warm sauce over the noodles, it will gently heat them through, so no actual cooking is necessary.

Do you need to drain zucchini noodles? ›

It's quite simple to boil a pot of water, toss in your zucchini noodles and cook for one minute. It's similar to cooking frozen veggies on the stovetop. And once your noodles have cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and serve. If you'd like them super dry, blot them with a paper towel before serving.

What happens if you don't rinse scallops? ›

A: You should always rinse scallops thoroughly to remove grit, but there shouldn't be so much grit that you have to soak them. In fact, soaking isn't recommended because the scallops can absorb water and get soggy, less flavorful and difficult to sear properly.

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.

Should you cook scallops in butter or oil? ›

Let that butter brown a bit. Then the scallops go in. Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioXidant. while I recommend cooking them in butter for the best Sear,you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if prefeerd.

Should scallops be at room temperature before frying? ›

Remove and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Heat a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the pan is hot enough, add a large drop of water (⅛ teaspoon) to the skillet. When you can roll it around the pan, it's ready.

Should scallops be room temperature before cooking? ›

Place scallops on rimmed baking sheet lined with clean dish towel. Place second clean dish towel on top of scallops and press gently on towel to blot liquid. Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture.

What is traditionally served with scallops? ›

Traditional Side Dishes. Pasta and risotto are always a lovely side that showcases steamed or pan fried scallops. Big, bright flavors including capers, feta cheese or pesto love love to be plated on top of a creamy sauce like pasta alfredo or parmesan risotto.

What is the best vegetable to eat with seafood? ›

To help coordinate your menu, we've gathered up a few of our favorite seafood and vegetable pairings for inspiration:
  • Grilled zucchini and mushrooms with shrimp. ...
  • Leafy greens and white fish. ...
  • King crab and corn. ...
  • Salmon and mashed cauliflower. ...
  • Crispy roasted potatoes and cod. ...
  • Fresh side salad and any seafood.

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.

Should scallops be cooked on both sides? ›

Both sides of a scallop should be seared to a perfect golden-brown 'crust' with the sides opaque all the way through. They should be firm to the touch, but still slightly soft with a little bounce to them.

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