What to Serve with Pan Fried Scallops (12 BEST Sides)

As a lover of seafood, I cannot resist pan-fried scallops.

There’s something about the crispy outside and tender inside that just makes my mouth water.

But what to serve with them?

There are many things you can serve with pan fried scallops. For a light meal, you could serve them with a salad or some roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for something heartier, they go well with rice, pasta, or potatoes. You could also serve them with a dipping sauce or a cream sauce.

In this blog post, I’ll share 12 tasty side dishes that will complement your pan fried scallops perfectly.

See Also:

• What Salad Goes with Scallops? 13 Best Salads
• Scallops Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Scallops

So whether you’re looking for something simple or something more complex, I’ve got you covered.

See Also: 20 Best Sauces for Scallops

What to Serve with Pan Fried Scallops?

There are many options for what to serve with pan fried scallops. You could do a simple preparation with just scallops and butter, or you could add garlic, lemon, and parsley for more flavor. You could also bread the scallops before frying them.

If you bread the scallops, you will want to serve them with a dipping sauce on the side. Some good dipping sauces include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and remoulade. You could also serve the scallops over a salad or with roasted vegetables.

Still looking for ideas?

Well, here are 12 sides you can serve with pan fried scallops:

1. Roasted Asparagus

Ah, the good old roasted asparagus.

This simple side dish can be enjoyed with just about any main course, but it’s especially great with pan-fried scallops.

The natural sweetness of the asparagus pairs perfectly with the salty taste of the scallops.

Plus, the asparagus provides a nice crunchiness that contrasts well with the flaky texture of the scallops.

If you’re in a hurry, you can simply toss the asparagus in a bag with some olive oil and salt and bake it in a preheated oven until tender.

But if you have some time to spare, why not roast them instead?

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and sprinkle generously with salt.
2. Cut off the ends of the asparagus and then skewer them on a wooden toothpick.
3. Drizzle olive oil over top and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
4. Serve immediately.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Or, if you’re a health-conscious person, why not try roasted Brussels sprouts?

These little gems are high in fiber and vitamins, and they pair perfectly with seafood.

Brussels sprouts can be roasted either in the oven or on the stovetop.

1. When roasted in the oven, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.
4. When roasted on the stovetop, season them similarly and cook them in a large skillet over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

3. Roasted Carrots

What can be easier than throwing some carrots into the oven?

Roasting them not only brings out their natural sweetness but also caramelizes them, resulting in a delicious side dish that’s perfect for pan frying scallops or any other seafood.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the carrots out on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 25 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.
3. Serve warm, topped with your favorite seafood.

4. Roasted Cauliflower

Most people think of cauliflower as a simple vegetable, but it can also be used as a side dish.

For example, roasted cauliflower is a great way to add flavor and texture to a pan-fried scallop dish.

1. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and roast it in the oven for about 20 minutes.
3. After it’s done roasting, let it cool slightly so that you can add it to your scallop dish.

You can use any other vegetables that you like in place of the roasted cauliflower.

For example, you could try roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

Either way, they’ll add a flavor and texture that will complement the seafood perfectly.

5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Something magical happens when you add garlic to mashed potatoes.

See Also: 15 Sauces for Mashed Potatoes I Can’t Resist

The flavor is intensified, and the potatoes become creamy and fluffy.

Garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for a special occasion, or for when you want to turn a standard dish into something special.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding different types of cheese, herbs, or spices to your garlic mashed potatoes.

You could even make them into garlic mashed potato bowls by serving them in a bowl topped with scallops and vegetables of your choice.

Whatever you decide to add, make sure it’s complementary to the garlic flavors in the potatoes.

6. Parmesan Risotto

If you thought regular risotto was delicious, wait until you try this Parmesan risotto.

See Also: 39 Easy Seafood Risotto Recipes I Can’t Resist

The creamy cheese and nutty Parmesan add a depth of flavor that is out of this world.

In addition, the addition of garlic and onion gives the risotto a savory backbone that is perfect for pairing with delicate seafood like scallops.

If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can easily omit it from the recipe without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

This risotto is also great as a side dish for any Italian-themed meal.

Try serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple marinara sauce.

7. Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa pilaf is healthy yet flavorful, and it’s a perfect side dish to accompany pan fried scallops.

Quinoa is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that is high in fiber and protein.

It cooks quickly and evenly, so it can be a quick and easy addition to any meal.

In addition to being delicious on its own, quinoa pilaf can be seasoned with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors.

Try adding garlic, ginger, or turmeric for a bit of extra flair.

Add these ingredients to a small skillet before cooking the quinoa.

This will help to flavor the quinoa while it cooks.

Once the quinoa is cooked, serve it warm with scallops for a delicious and healthy meal.

8. Barley Risotto

Although this side dish isn’t as popular as the others in this article, it should definitely be a part of your repertoire.

Barley risotto is a great option if you’re looking for something light and fluffy.

It’s also a great choice if you want to make a dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

The key to making good barley risotto is to use the right kind of barley.

You’ll want to choose something that has a firm texture and a nutty flavor.

In addition, you’ll need to add some vegetable broth to help dilute the starch in the barley.

Once everything is combined, cook the risotto until it’s tender and creamy.

If you want to jazz up your barley risotto, try adding in some shredded cheese or sautéed mushrooms.

9. Fried Rice

Do you like Asian food?

If so, you’re going to love this recipe! It’s a simple and easy way to prepare fried rice.

All you need is some cooked rice, eggs, scallops, and garlic.

In addition, you can add in any other vegetables or proteins that you like.

For example, you could add in shredded chicken or shrimp.

And because it’s so simple to make, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

10. Peas and Carrots

Sometimes simplicity is the key to a delicious meal.

This is especially true when it comes to pan frying scallops.

All you need is some salt, pepper, and butter.

And if you want to add a little bit of flavor, you can stir in some peas or carrots for extra sweetness and crunch.

You could also serve this dish with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Choose your favorite greens and top them with diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

Drizzle on some olive oil and vinegar, and you’re good to go!

11. Corn on the Cob

Why not fire up the grill and serve up some pan fried scallops with a side of fresh corn on the cob?

Not only is this dish delicious, it’s also incredibly healthy.

1. Simply season the scallops with salt and pepper, then heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the scallops to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Once they are done, remove them from the heat and top them with fresh kernels of corn.
4. Serve hot!

12. Glazed Carrots

This side dish has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.

Glazed carrots are sweet, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.

They’re also a healthy option.

If you’re looking for a side dish that will impress your guests, try out this recipe for glazed carrots.

1. First, start by peeling and chopping your carrots into thin strips.
2. Then, toss them in a simple sugar and corn starch mixture.
3. Finally, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil.
4. When the oil is hot, add the carrots and cook until they are tender and golden brown.
5. Serve warm with your favorite seafood or poultry dish.

What to Serve with Pan Seared Sea Scallops?

There are many things that go well with pan seared sea scallops. A simple green salad is a great option, as the acidity in the dressing will help to balance out the richness of the scallops. You could also serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even pasta.

How to Serve Pan Seared Scallops?

There are many ways to serve pan seared scallops. You can serve them with a salad, rice, pasta, or vegetables. You can also top them with a sauce or gravy. For a more elegant presentation, you can serve them on a bed of greens.

What’s the Best Way to Pan Fry Scallops?

When pan frying scallops, it is important to make sure that they are dry before adding them to the pan. Otherwise, they will stick to the pan and not cook evenly. It is also important to heat the pan before adding oil, so that the oil does not smoke. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops and cook for two to three minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.

What Is the Best Oil to Cook Scallops?

There are many different types of oil that can be used to cook scallops. However, the best oil to cook scallops is olive oil. Olive oil has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to a high temperature without burning. This makes it ideal for cooking scallops, as you can get them nice and crispy on the outside while keeping them moist and juicy on the inside.

How Long Should Scallops Be Pan Fried For?

Scallops should be pan-fried for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.

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