Scallop Sides: What To Serve

Pan-seared scallops are a luxurious dish, perfect for a special occasion. But what to serve with them? You want a side dish that contrasts in colour, shape, flavour and nutrition, complementing the scallops without overwhelming their delicate flavour.

If you're serving scallops, you might want to start with a basic recipe and then get creative with different flavours. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with pan-seared scallops:

- Rice: Scallops, oil and rice are a delicious combination, and there are so many different styles and flavours of rice to choose from.

- Pasta: There are lots of ways to use pasta as a side dish. You can use it as a bed for your scallops or make a pasta salad. Just avoid tomato-based sauces, which can sometimes overpower the flavour of the scallops.

- Potatoes: Scallops work well with side dishes that can absorb their fishy flavours. Try mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, potatoes au gratin, or get creative with mixed colours and types of potatoes.

- Greens: Leafy green vegetables are nutritious, and there are lots of seasonal ways to make salads to pair with seared scallops.

- Peas and beans: Packed with protein and flavour, peas and beans can be eaten alone, seasoned, cold or heated, or as a salad.

- Salads: Fruity flavours pair well with scallops, like a pomegranate, apple and feta salad, or a spinach, apple and walnut salad.

- Vegetables: Grilled veggies are a great, healthy option to serve with scallops. Try eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and red peppers.

Rice

Lemon-Herb Rice

This light and fresh rice dish is a perfect complement to the pan-seared scallops. To make it, cook the rice in a saucepan with butter, white and light green scallions, white wine, chicken broth, salt, and lemon zest. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley before serving. The brightness of the lemon and herbs will enhance the flavour of the scallops.

Parmesan Rice

For a creamy and cheesy rice side dish, try making Parmesan rice to serve with your scallops. To make this rice, cook the rice in a skillet with butter, garlic, chicken broth, and shredded Parmesan cheese. You can also add broccoli to this dish for some extra colour and texture. The savoury flavour of the Parmesan rice will pair well with the mild sweetness of the scallops.

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a tasty option to serve with pan-seared scallops. The sweetness of the coconut will balance the savoury flavours of the scallops. You can find recipes for coconut rice online or in cookbooks.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is another flavourful option for a rice side dish. The citrusy lime and the fresh cilantro will add a tangy and bright flavour to your meal. You can find recipes for cilantro lime rice online or in cookbooks.

Garlic Rice

Garlic rice is a simple yet tasty option to serve with pan-seared scallops. To make garlic rice, cook the rice in a skillet with butter and garlic. You can also add other ingredients such as onions or herbs to enhance the flavour. The garlic will add a savoury kick to your meal and complement the mild flavour of the scallops.

Pasta

Pan-seared scallops with pasta is a delicious, indulgent, and elegant meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Here are some tips and suggestions for making this dish with pasta as the main side:

Ingredients

• Pasta: Use linguine, fettuccine, angel hair, or spaghetti.
• Scallops: Choose large, dry sea scallops for the best flavour and texture. Avoid wet scallops soaked in a chemical solution, as they won't sear properly.
• Oil: Avocado oil, olive oil, or butter can be used for cooking the scallops and pasta.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil add flavour and colour.
• Other ingredients: Garlic is a key ingredient, providing a punchy flavour. Lemon juice and zest add a tangy freshness. White wine, chicken broth, or vegetable stock can be used to deglaze the pan and create a flavourful sauce.

Cooking Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
• Prepare the scallops by removing the side muscle and patting them dry with paper towels. Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side without moving them. Transfer the cooked scallops to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and other seasonings. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pan by adding wine, chicken broth, or vegetable stock, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce the liquid by cooking for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, zest, and any other desired ingredients. Toss to combine and simmer for a minute.
• Return the scallops to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Scallops

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, for a better sear.
• Ensure the scallops are completely dry before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
• Cook the scallops over high heat to get a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook the scallops in batches if necessary.
• Don't touch or move the scallops once they are in the pan. Flip them only once to get an even sear.
• Serve the scallops immediately to retain their tenderness.

Variations and Substitutions

• You can substitute scallops with shrimp or white fish like halibut.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add heavy cream or half-and-half.
• For a vegan version, replace the scallops with king oyster mushrooms.
• Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, onions, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta.
• Top the dish with shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or shredded mozzarella.

Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with scallops. They can act as a "sauce catcher," soaking up the delicious juices from the scallops. You can make them with Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes, or potatoes au gratin, are a delicious and creamy option for a potato side dish. You can layer sliced potatoes with cheese, cream, and seasonings to create a decadent gratin.

French Fries

French fries are always a popular choice and can add a crispy texture to your meal. Cut potatoes into thin strips, season them, and fry them until golden brown.

Potato Medallions

Potato medallions are a fancier option and can add a nice presentation to your dish. Cut potatoes into thin slices or use a cookie cutter to create uniform medallions. Fry or bake them until crispy, and serve them stacked or fanned out on the plate.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a simple yet tasty option. Cut potatoes into uniform pieces, toss them in olive oil, and roast them in the oven until crispy and golden. You can also add herbs and spices to enhance the flavour.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

For a lower-carb option, you can make mashed cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes. Simply cut cauliflower into florets, blanch them until soft, and then blend or mash them until smooth. You can add butter, cream, and seasonings to taste.

These are just a few ideas for potato side dishes to serve with pan-seared scallops. Get creative and experiment with different types of potatoes, seasonings, and cooking methods to find your favourite combinations.

Salads

Arugula Salad:

Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery flavour that can complement the sweetness of the scallops. You can keep it simple with just arugula, a light vinaigrette, and some shaved Parmesan cheese. Or, you can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced almonds, or avocado for a more substantial salad.

Fennel and Orange Salad:

The slight aniseed flavour of fennel goes well with seafood, and the orange adds a nice touch of sweetness. You can add some sliced red onion, olives, and a simple vinaigrette to this salad.

Avocado and Tomato Salad:

This salad is a great option if you're looking for something fresh and colourful. Simply combine diced avocado and tomato with some red onion, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Spinach Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Feta:

This salad combines the sweetness of apples with the salty, briny flavour of feta cheese. The walnuts add a nice crunch, and the spinach provides a nutritious base.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Hazelnuts, and Brown Butter Dressing:

If you're looking for something a little heartier, this salad is a great option. The shaved Brussels sprouts provide a nice texture, and the apples and hazelnuts add a touch of sweetness. The brown butter dressing brings everything together.

Pan-Seared Scallop Salad with Mandarin Vinaigrette:

For this salad, the scallops are the star. Simply pan-sear some scallops and serve them on a bed of mixed salad greens with a mandarin vinaigrette. You can also add some dried cranberries and pistachios for a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Peas and beans

One option is to make a pea puree. This involves cooking frozen sweet peas in garlic, shallots, and chicken broth, then blending them into a silky smooth puree. The pea puree can be served with crispy pancetta and gremolata, a condiment made from parsley, lemon zest, and shallots.

Another option is to serve the scallops with creamed peas. You can also try roasted sugar snap peas, which have a subtle sweetness that pairs well with scallops.

If you're looking for a heartier dish, you can try succotash, a traditional Southern dish made with corn, butter, lima beans, tomatoes, and spices. You can also add small bits of bacon for a subtle meatiness. Just be sure to keep the additional ingredients to a minimum so as not to overwhelm the scallops.

Frequently asked questions