Scallops, often known as a seafood delicacy, are prized for their sweet, succulent flavor and delicate texture. After a thrilling scalloping charter in 2024 with River Ventures and River Safaris, why not bring the taste of the sea into your kitchen with these five delectable scallop recipes?  

From simple sautéed scallops to indulgent bacon-wrapped delights, there's something for every palate to enjoy! 

Recipe #1: Simple Sautéed Scallops 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh scallops 

• Butter 

• Olive oil 

• Salt and pepper 

• Lemon wedges for garnish 

 Instructions: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a fusion of butter and olive oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Place the scallops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sauté the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.  

Recipe #2: Scallop Ceviche 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh scallops, thinly sliced 

• Lime juice 

• Red onion, finely diced 

• Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced 

• Fresh cilantro, chopped 

• Salt and pepper 

• Avocado slices for garnish 

• Tortilla chips for serving 

Instructions: In a bowl, combine the sliced scallops with lime juice, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the scallop ceviche chilled, garnished with avocado slices, alongside tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer or light meal. 

Recipe #3: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh scallops 

• Bacon slices, cut in half widthwise 

• Toothpicks 

• Brown sugar (optional) 

• BBQ sauce (optional) 

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Optionally, sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped scallops for a touch of sweetness, or brush them with BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Place the scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. Serve hot as a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish. 

Recipe #4: Scallop Pasta 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh scallops 

• Linguine or fettuccine pasta 

• Garlic, minced 

• Cherry tomatoes, halved 

• Fresh basil, chopped 

• White wine 

• Olive oil 

• Salt and pepper 

• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish 

Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the scallops to the skillet and cook until they are just opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add cherry tomatoes and chopped basil to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta with the scallop mixture until well combined. Serve the scallop pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious and satisfying meal.  

Recipe #5: Grilled Scallop Skewers 

Ingredients: 

• Fresh scallops 

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes. 

• Olive oil 

• Lemon zest 

• Garlic powder 

• Salt and pepper 

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish. 

Instructions: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the scallops onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each scallop. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the scallop skewers with the olive oil mixture on both sides. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the scallops are lightly charred and cooked through. Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the grilled scallop skewers hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces. 

After an exhilarating scalloping charter with River Ventures or River Safaris, continue the culinary adventure at home with these five mouthwatering scallop recipes. Whether you prefer the simplicity of sautéed scallops or the indulgence of bacon-wrapped delights, each dish promises to delight your taste buds and transport you back to the sunny shores of Florida!