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

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.

What is the secret to perfect scallops? ›

Gently add the scallops to your pan (making sure there is a bit of space in between them to avoid crowding) and let them cook, completely undisturbed for at least 2 minutes over medium-high heat. The more that you move them around, the more difficult it will be to create a nice crust around the bottom.

How do you cook zucchini noodles so they don't get soggy? ›

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.

What's a good sauce to put on scallops? ›

Romesco Sauce is packed with flavor and easy to make with simple ingredients & your blender or food processor. This roasted red pepper based Spanish sauce is delicious with seared scallops. This Easy Pineapple Salsa is light and fresh with just a hint of heat. It makes an amazing sauce for scallops.

How long should I soak scallops in milk? ›

one that is deep enough to cover the scallops with. milk.. Cover the bowl, and place it in the refrigerator. for one hour or soak in coconut milk for 10 minutes.

Is it better to cook scallops in oil or butter? ›

Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

Do you season scallops before cooking? ›

Season Them Before You Cook Them: You should sprinkle your salt and pepper onto your scallops before cooking, not during or after. Use High Heat: The best pan seared scallops are cooked under high heat. Make sure your pan is fully heated and then pour in the oil.

Should you flour scallops before searing? ›

Flour: While optional, I love dusting flour over my scallops before cooking them. The flour absorbs excess moisture and adds a nice golden brown crust. You can skip this step if you don't have flour or are gluten-free.

Should you salt zucchini noodles before cooking? ›

Remove from heat and add to sauce or add some salt and eat as is. Note: Don't salt the zucchini before you saute it; the noodles will release more water and they'll end up limp.

Are you supposed to boil zucchini noodles? ›

Can I Boil Zucchini Noodles? Never boil your spiralized zucchini noodles! If you're serving the zoodles in a liquid or sauce, that's ok. But boiling noodles for other dishes, like sauces or salads will guarantee that they come out soggy and watery.

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 flavour goes best with scallops? ›

There is an ocean of sauces to choose from, and most white fish sauces will work well. Lemon caper butter sauce adds to the brininess of the scallop, and a buttery orange ginger sauce offers a citrine and spicy flare.

How to add flavor to scallops? ›

Fresh squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of Italian parsley just before serving. Don't wanna' over power the delicate taste and sweetness of the scallops. no sauce. Salt & Pepper, cooked in melted Butter, and perhaps sprinkled with a little lemon juice.

What is scallop sauce made of? ›

White wine, butter, and shallots make a great sauce for scallops. This is easy and non-creamy for those that don't like cream sauces.

Do you rinse fish off after soaking in milk? ›

Well if you put the seafood in a bowl and add cold milk, cover it and let it sit in the fridge for about a half hour the smell goes away. Then just rinse it off, pat it dry and cook as you normally would. I have used this trick on haddock, cod, swordfish and shrimp.

What does soaking seafood in milk do? ›

Before cooking, soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes

In this scenario, the protein in the milk binds with the compounds that cause that fishy odor, in essence extracting if from the fish.

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.

How to get all the sand out of scallops? ›

Putting your scallop under water will wash away impurities and get rid of sand and other grit. Run it under cold water for at least 30 seconds. Rub the scallop with your fingers. This will make sure that all impurities have been removed from the scallop.

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