Pan Seared Scallops with Crispy Pancetta (2024)

Published: May 3, 2022Author: Amy

Pan seared scallops sit on top of rich pea puree, topped with crispy pancetta and Gremolata. A super easy dish, but tastes amazing and looks so elegant!

You could also serve the scallops with creamed peas, if preferred. Super easy and creamy!

The Best Scallops Recipe

This scallops recipe and I have a relationship. I held onto it for almost two years. Moving it from folder to folder, room to room. Staring at it, dreaming about it. Even talking to myself about it.

Well, I finally made it, and guess what? It lived up to every single expectation ever! The scallops are pan seared until golden on the outside and buttery on the inside, the pancetta is flavorful and salty, and the pea puree is sweet and gorgeous. It is absolutely, unequivocally marvelous. The best part? This dish looks and tastes so fancy, but it is crazy simple to make.

Unlike so many meals that come with high expectations, only to disappoint…this dish goes in my Top 20 of all time. No joke.

What are Scallops?

Scallops are shellfish. They’re a bivalve mollusk – meaning the interior muscle is surrounded by two shells – and related toclams, oysters, and mussels. There are many varieties of scallop, but the most common are tiny bay scallops and large sea scallops. Their taste and texture is quite delicate and after a quick pan sear, they are incredibly sweet and tender.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a short list of ingredients to make this scallops recipe, but the end result is fantastic!
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions.)

• Sea scallops– These are the star. Make sure you purchase large sea scallops and not tiny bay scallops. They should be a pale pink or light beige color with a soft texture.
• Gremolata – This garnish, or condiment, is made up of parsley, lemon zest, and shallot.
• Pancetta – This salt-cured pork belly can diced and cooked in a bit of olive oil.
• Pea Puree – Frozen (thawed) sweet peas are cooked in garlic, shallot, and chicken broth, then blended into a silky smooth puree.

Tips: How to Cook Scallops

Don’t be intimated to make scallops at home. They are actually one of the easiest seafood to cook!
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions.)

• Pat the scallops dry using a paper towel. Excess moisture on the outside of your scallops will prevent browning and caramelization.
• Heat up a skillet until it’s really hot. I prefer cast iron for searing because they retain heat so well.
• Give your scallops plenty of space in between one another, so they sear and not steam.
• Sear the scallops on the first side without touching them. This is what helps develop that golden crust.
• Don’t let them sit in the pan. Once the the scallops are done cooking, remove them from the skillet immediately to prevent further cooking, and serve right away.

Serving Suggestions

The pea puree really serves as the side to these lovely scallops, but if you feel like you still need more to make it a complete meal, a simple side salad or arugula beet salad would pair well. Some crusty dutch oven bread is also great to mop up the pea puree.

More Stand Out Seafood Recipes:

• Honey Glazed Salmon
• Creamy Baked Halibut
• Shrimp Alfredo
• Crab Stuffed Salmon
• Shrimp Scampi
• Orange-Balsamic Shrimp Pasta

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onTikTok,Facebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!