Scallop Sides: What To Serve With Pan-Seared Scallops

Pan-seared scallops are a delicious and sophisticated meal, perfect for a special occasion. But what to serve with them? Something that contrasts in colour, shape, flavour and nutrition. Something that complements their mild, delicate flavour without overwhelming it. Something easy to whip up while you're searing the seafood.

- Spinach and pomegranate salad

- Arugula salad

- Pasta with lemon and herbs

- Creamy parmesan pasta

- Baked asparagus with parmesan

- Fennel orange salad

- Perfectly seasoned quinoa

- Brussels sprout salad

- Sautéed green beans

- Parmesan broccoli

- Pomegranate salad

- Roasted broccolini

- Spinach apple salad

- Sautéed mushrooms and onions

- Brussels sprouts with maple glaze

- Ultimate sautéed vegetables

- Lemon asparagus risotto

- Summer squash salad

- Mashed potatoes with roasted shallots

- Warm Tuscan beans

- Chorizo and corn

- Simple grilled veggies

- Rice

- Quinoa

- Bacon-wrapped scallops

- Steak

- Shrimp

Salads

Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a simple yet elegant option that goes with almost everything. To make an arugula salad, simply toss fresh arugula leaves with a light vinaigrette dressing, such as a citrus vinaigrette. You can also add other ingredients like sliced oranges, raw fennel, or shaved Parmesan cheese for added flavour and texture.

Spinach and Apple Salad

This salad features the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavours, with crunchy pomegranate seeds, green apple slices, toasted pecans or walnuts, and crumbled goat or feta cheese. A tangy balsamic dressing ties all the flavours together.

Brussels Sprout Salad

Brussels sprout salad is a surprising but delicious option to serve with scallops. The raw Brussels sprouts are sweet and feathery, not bitter at all. Toss them with a tangy Dijon mustard dressing, diced apples, and dried cherries for a perfect combination of flavours.

Summer Squash Salad

This salad is a refreshing option that pairs well with the brininess of scallops. It combines summer squash and zucchini with lemon peel, mint, crispy prosciutto, and crumbled feta cheese. The result is a salad that's both refreshing and savoury.

Mexican Corn Salad

This salad is specifically mentioned as a good pairing with pan-seared scallops. It likely includes ingredients such as corn, beans, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.

Other Salad Ideas

Other types of salads that could pair well with pan-seared scallops include a simple green salad with a variety of leafy greens and vegetables, or a fruit salad featuring ingredients like mango, avocado, and red onion. You can also experiment with different types of greens, dressings, and toppings to create your own unique salad creation.

Pasta

Pan-seared scallops and pasta is a delicious combination that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a mouth-watering pasta dish with pan-seared scallops:

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this dish, you can use a variety of pasta shapes such as linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair pasta, or bucatini. Fresh pasta, such as egg fettuccine, is ideal as it cooks quickly and has a delightful texture. However, dried pasta is also a good option; just be sure to cook it al dente for the perfect bite.

Creating a Savory Sauce

A creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with pan-seared scallops. To make it, sauté garlic in butter, then create a roux by adding flour. Next, add milk or half-and-half for creaminess and Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy flavour. You can also deglaze the pan with vegetable stock or white wine for an extra layer of flavour. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the Scallops

Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as moist scallops will not brown properly in the pan. Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Get your pan nice and hot, then add oil or butter. Place the scallops in the pan without crowding them and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Remember not to move or touch the scallops while they're searing to achieve the perfect crust.

Combining the Elements

Once your pasta is cooked al dente, toss it with the creamy garlic sauce, adding pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency. Finally, top the pasta with the seared scallops and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.

Customization and Sides

Feel free to add extra vegetables to your pasta, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also include shrimp or chicken for a heartier dish. As for sides, roasted broccolini, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a light side salad would complement the pasta and scallops nicely.

Rice

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a tasty and tropical option to serve with your pan-seared scallops. To make coconut rice, cook rice in coconut milk instead of water, adding a touch of salt and sugar to taste. The sweetness of the coconut milk will balance the savoury notes of the scallops.

Cilantro Lime Rice

For a zesty and refreshing option, try cilantro lime rice. Cook rice in chicken or vegetable broth, and once it's cooked, mix in freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. This type of rice will add a bright and tangy flavour to your meal.

Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is a luxurious and flavourful option to serve with your pan-seared scallops. Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, and it adds a beautiful golden colour and a subtle, unique flavour to the rice. To make saffron rice, cook the rice in chicken stock with a generous pinch of saffron threads, a clove of minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. You can also add frozen peas for a pop of colour and texture.

Lemon-Herb Rice

Lemon-herb rice is a fresh and light option that pairs well with pan-seared scallops. Cook long-grain white rice in a mixture of dry white wine and chicken broth, then fluff it with a fork and stir in chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and grated lemon zest. The lemon and herb flavours will complement the scallops perfectly.

Scallop Rice Bowls

For a more casual option, you can serve your pan-seared scallops on top of rice bowls. Cook the rice of your choice, and then top it with scallops, avocado, kale, and a drizzle of crunchy, garlicky oil. This option is perfect if you're looking for a heartier meal.

Bread

Garlic Bread

A classic option to serve alongside any Italian meal, but also a great pairing with seafood. Cut a long loaf of bread in half lengthways and slather with garlic butter before placing on a hot grill. This will add a crispy texture to the bread and a charred flavour that will complement the sweetness of the scallops.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Twists

A fun and impressive option for a side of bread. Using puff pastry, create twists by placing a garlic butter mixture between two sheets, then cutting and twisting before cooking in an air fryer.

Bruschetta

For a more summery, Mediterranean option, why not serve some bruschetta on the side? Chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze on toasted slices of baguette would be a fresh and tasty pairing with pan-seared scallops.

Croutons

If you're serving a salad on the side, why not add some homemade croutons? Chop or tear a baguette into bite-sized chunks, toss in olive oil, and bake in the oven until golden.

Potatoes

• Mashed potatoes: This is a classic side dish that pairs well with seafood. Try using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture, and add roasted shallots for a sharp, sweet flavour.
• Dauphinoise potatoes: This French casserole dish is extra creamy and cheesy.
• Domino potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce make for a crispy and tender gratin-like dish.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: For extra flavour, mash potatoes with garlic-infused milk and melted butter.
• Baked potatoes: A simple baked potato can be a great side dish, especially if you're short on time. Try roasting them with garlic for extra flavour.
• Potato salad: If you're looking for something a little lighter, a potato salad could be a good option. Try mixing potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped vegetables like onions, celery, or pickles.

Frequently asked questions