What Side Dishes Go With Scallops?
Some side dishes that go well with scallops include succotash, grilled vegetables, creamed corn, Caprese salad, pasta dishes, lemon asparagus orzo, Parmesan risotto, garlic shrimp alfredo bake, pesto pasta, saffron rice, crab risotto, garlic bread, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and vegetable-studded pasta primavera.
Additionally, scallops can be paired with steamed littleneck clams, chicken cordon bleu bake, fresh fruit desserts, fruit sorbets, poached pears, and various baked goods like angel food cake, strawberry shortcake, Hokkaido cheese tart, blackberry apple crumble, and cinnamon roll bread pudding.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that one popular side dish to serve with scallops is bacon-wrapped asparagus? The savory flavors of the bacon complement the delicate taste of the scallops perfectly.
2. A lesser-known but delicious side dish option for scallops is wild rice pilaf. Its nutty flavors and fluffy texture provide a delightful contrast to the tender scallops.
3. Curried cauliflower is another unique side dish that pairs wonderfully with scallops. The aromatic spices in the curry beautifully enhance the flavors of both the scallops and the cauliflower.
4. For those who love a touch of sweetness, a side dish of caramelized apples and onions can be a surprising and delightful accompaniment to scallops. The caramelized flavors add depth to the dish and pair exceptionally well with the scallops.
5. Finally, one unexpected side dish that complements scallops remarkably well is a creamy parmesan risotto. The creamy texture of the risotto and the umami flavors of the parmesan create a luxurious base that makes the scallops even more indulgent.
Succotash With Peas And Carrots Or Parsnips
Scallops, with their delicate flavor and tender texture, pair well with a variety of side dishes. One such option is succotash, a classic American dish that combines fresh corn kernels with lima beans. However, to elevate this side dish and complement the scallops perfectly, you can add peas and carrots or parsnips to the succotash. The sweetness of the peas and the earthiness of the carrots or parsnips will enhance the flavors of the scallops and create a balanced and satisfying meal.
To prepare succotash with peas and carrots or parsnips, start by sautéing diced carrots or parsnips in a pan with olive oil until they become tender. Then, add fresh or frozen peas and continue cooking until they are bright green and cooked through. In a separate pan, sauté corn kernels until they become slightly caramelized and add them to the carrot or parsnip and pea mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of thyme or parsley for added flavor.
Serve this succotash alongside seared scallops for a beautiful and delicious meal.
- Sauté diced carrots or parsnips until tender
- Add fresh or frozen peas and cook until bright green and cooked through
- Sauté corn kernels until slightly caramelized
- Add caramelized corn to the carrot or parsnip and pea mixture
- Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of thyme or parsley
Grilled Vegetables
Scallops, when cooked just right, have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky and charred notes of grilled vegetables. The combination of zucchini, corn, sweet bell peppers, and potatoes creates a colorful and satisfying side dish that perfectly complements the scallops.
To prepare grilled vegetables as a side dish for scallops, start by slicing zucchini and sweet bell peppers into thick strips. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Preheat a grill or grill pan and cook the vegetables until they develop grill marks and become tender. Similarly, grill corn on the cob until it becomes slightly charred and smoky. Once cooked, cut the corn off the cob and mix it with the grilled zucchini and peppers. Serve this vibrant medley of vegetables alongside perfectly seared scallops for a delightful and nutritious meal.
Creamed Corn
One of the classic choices as a side dish for scallops is creamed corn. The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the corn complement the delicate taste of the scallops, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
To prepare creamed corn, follow these steps:
- Start by cutting fresh corn kernels off the cob.
- In a saucepan, sauté diced onions or shallots in butter until they become translucent.
- Add the corn kernels, a splash of heavy cream, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Simmer the mixture until the corn is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
- For added richness and depth of flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve the creamy corn alongside seared scallops for a comforting and satisfying meal.
“The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the corn complement the delicate taste of the scallops, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.”
Caprese Salad
To enhance the flavor of scallops and provide a light side dish, consider serving a Caprese salad. This refreshing salad brings together juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella cheese, and drizzles of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Follow these steps to create a delicious Caprese salad that pairs perfectly with scallops:
- Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into thick slices.
- Arrange alternating layers of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter.
- Garnish each layer with a whole basil leaf for added freshness and aroma.
- Drizzle the salad with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar to enhance its flavors.
- Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to add a touch of seasoning.
The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the Caprese salad will beautifully complement the delicate flavors of the scallops. This combination creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Additional tips:
- Opt for ripe and flavorful tomatoes to ensure the salad’s taste is at its best.
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for a creamy and smooth texture.
- Experiment with different types of basil, such as Thai basil or lemon basil, to add a unique twist to the salad.
By incorporating a Caprese salad into your scallop dish, you’ll add a burst of freshness and an aesthetically pleasing element. Enjoy this delightful combination!
Pasta Dishes
Scallops can enhance various pasta dishes by bringing elegance and flavor to classic recipes. Here are three delicious options incorporating scallops:
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Sear succulent scallops with butter and garlic to add depth and rich flavor to the dish. Toss the cooked scallops with pasta and create a simple garlic butter sauce by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add a splash of white wine and reduce the sauce. Combine the sauce with the pasta and scallops, then garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
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Lemon Asparagus Orzo: Cook the scallops separately and prepare orzo pasta according to package instructions. While the orzo is cooking, blanch fresh asparagus in boiling water for a minute or two until crisp-tender. Drain the asparagus and sauté it in a pan with butter and minced garlic. Once the orzo is cooked, toss it with the asparagus, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Finally, add the seared scallops on top for a bright and satisfying meal.
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Pesto Pasta: Create a vibrant and herbaceous option by preparing a pesto sauce. Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions and toss it with the pesto sauce. Sear the scallops separately and serve them on top of the pesto pasta. The combination of the savory pesto, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender scallops will be a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
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Remember: Scallops can elevate pasta dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Try these recipes to add elegance and flavor to your meals.
Scallops In Pasta Recipes Or Casseroles
If you’re looking to incorporate scallops directly into pasta dishes or casseroles, there are several delicious ways to do so. Bay scallops, known for their smaller size, are great for this purpose as they can be easily mixed into the pasta or casserole without overpowering the other ingredients.
One option is to add bay scallops to your favorite pasta recipes. Whether it’s a classic carbonara, a rich seafood Alfredo, or a spicy arrabbiata, bay scallops can be cooked with the sauce and pasta to infuse their flavor throughout the dish. Their delicate texture will create a delightful contrast with the other ingredients, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
Another way to use scallops in pasta dishes is to incorporate them into casseroles. For example, you can create a scallops and mushroom casserole by sautéing sliced mushrooms with butter and garlic until they become tender and golden. Add the scallops and cook them briefly until they are just cooked through. Mix the mushroom and scallop mixture with cooked pasta, a creamy sauce, and your choice of cheese. Bake the casserole until it becomes golden and bubbly. The scallops will add a unique and delicious element to the casserole, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.
In conclusion, scallops are a versatile seafood option that can be paired with a wide range of side dishes. Whether you choose succotash with peas and carrots or parsnips, grilled vegetables, creamed corn, Caprese salad, pasta dishes, or incorporate scallops into pasta recipes and casseroles, there are countless ways to create a memorable meal. Experiment with these options and discover your favorite combinations that tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good side with scallops?
In addition to pasta and risotto, another excellent side dish that complements scallops is a refreshing citrus salad. A combination of succulent scallops with a zesty citrus burst creates a delightful contrast in flavors. The juicy acidity of oranges or grapefruits pairs harmoniously with the delicate sweetness of scallops, enhancing their taste and providing a refreshing palate cleanser. A light citrus vinaigrette drizzled over the salad adds a tangy touch, making it a perfect accompaniment to the main course.
How many scallops for dinner?
To ensure a satisfying seafood feast, it is advisable to serve around 4-6 large (U10) sea scallops or 8-10 medium-sized scallops per person for a main course with sides. This quantity strikes a harmonious balance, allowing guests to indulge in the succulent delicacy without overwhelming their taste buds or stomachs. Experience the delectable flavors of scallops by adhering to this guideline, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience for all.
How are you supposed to eat scallops?
When it comes to the delightful scallops, there are a few ways to savor their exquisite taste. One option is to sear them in butter for a simple and timeless approach, pairing them with a bed of pasta drizzled with olive oil, a touch of lemon juice, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can indulge in the scallops’ divine flavor by serving them atop a velvety mound of pureed cauliflower or root vegetables. The creaminess of the side dish perfectly complements the scallop’s chewy yet buttery texture, creating a delectable combination for your palate to relish.
What vegetables pair well with scallops?
When it comes to enhancing the flavors of scallops, certain vegetables can be the perfect match. Alongside the succulent scallops, I find that roasted asparagus and sautéed mushrooms create a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The earthiness of the mushrooms and the crispness of the asparagus complement the sweet and tender nature of the scallops, resulting in a truly delightful combination.
In addition to asparagus and mushrooms, I also enjoy serving scallops with a refreshing side of steamed broccoli. The vibrant green color and slight crunch of the broccoli provide a wonderful contrast to the delicate and buttery scallops. This pairing not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also brings a healthy and nutritious element to the overall meal.