Sea scallops are a versatile and delicious seafood option that can be prepared in a variety of ways, each bringing out unique flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying the delicate tenderness of buttery scallops seared, the crispy crunch of fried scallops, or the smoky char when you cook scallops on the grill, choosing the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Curious about what to serve with scallops?
Join our Calabash seafood restaurant in Raleigh, NC as we explore the best side dishes to serve with scallops, no matter the time of the year.
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Flavor Profile of Scallops for Pairing
Scallops are prized for their delicate, sweet, and mild flavor, making them an ideal seafood choice that pairs well with a variety of sides. The natural sweetness of scallops is often complemented by rich, buttery preparations or bright, zesty recipe additions. When selecting side dishes, it’s important to balance the scallops’ subtle flavors without overpowering them.
Whether you’re at home cooking scallops in the air fryer or you are having a dinner party to celebrate a special occasion, scallops are a tried and true seafood choice. Here are the key aspects of scallops’ flavor profile to consider when choosing the perfect side dishes to complement your plate:
- Sweet and Mild: Scallops have a naturally sweet flavor that is subtle but distinctive. Pairing with sides that offer a light or slightly tangy taste enhances their sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
- Buttery Texture: When cooked properly, scallops have a tender, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Rich sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or rice dish, complement this smoothness.
- Delicate Flavor: The gentle flavor of scallops pairs well with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and dill, adding a layer of freshness without overpowering their taste.
- Mildly Briny: While not overly salty, scallops have a slight oceanic brininess. To balance this, sides with a slight acidity or sweetness, such as lemon juice, white wine, or shallots, are ideal.
- Versatility: Scallops can be prepared in many ways—seared, broiled, grilled, or fried—each bringing out different aspects of their flavor. For instance, seared scallops have a crisp, caramelized meaty texture, while broiled or grilled scallops develop a smoky flavor.
What to Serve with Scallops: Seared Scallops
Seared scallops are known for their delicate texture and slightly caramelized crust. The quick sear locks in the natural sweetness of the scallops while creating a crispy exterior. To enhance this dish, choose sides that complement the rich, buttery texture of the scallops without overpowering them.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes, sprinkled with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and a little bit of parmesan cheese, add a crispy texture that contrasts with the tender scallops, creating a satisfying balance. Their savory flavors enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering them.
Garlic Butter Spinach
Garlic butter spinach brings a savory depth that complements the rich texture of seared scallops. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, while the spinach provides a light and earthy balance. If you aren’t a spinach fan, green beans are a nice alternative, add a pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon juice to bring out your chosen vegetables’ natural flavors.
What to Serve with Scallops: Broiled Scallops
Broiled scallops develop a slightly smoky flavor and a caramelized crust, making them a delicious and slightly more robust, meaty option compared to other preparations. The key to pairing sides with broiled scallops is balancing their rich, charred exterior while allowing their tender, sweet flavor to shine.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes provide a creamy, smooth texture that contrasts with the firm yet tender broiled scallops. The richness of the potatoes enhances the scallops’ subtle sweetness, making them a comforting and complementary side.
Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables, like roasted broccoli, brussels sprouts, and mushrooms, add an earthy, savory element that pairs perfectly with the slightly smoky flavor of broiled scallops. Their natural sweetness, brought out by the roasting process, complements the scallops’ richness without overpowering them. A light drizzle of olive oil and pinch of salt helps to complement the flavor profile.
What to Serve with Scallops: Grilled Scallops
Grilled scallops have a smoky char and a tender, sweet center, making them a flavorful seafood choice. To enhance this dish, pair them with sides that balance their smoky flavor and highlight their delicate sweetness.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries add a sweet and savory contrast to the smoky grilled scallops. Their crispy texture and natural sweetness enhance the scallops’ delicate flavor without overpowering it.
Orzo Salad
Orzo salad with fresh herbs and a light lemon dressing brings a refreshing, tangy balance to grilled scallops. The soft orzo and citrus flavors pair perfectly with the scallops’ smoky richness.
What to Serve with Scallop Ceviche
Scallop ceviche is light, refreshing, and packed with bright citrus flavors. To complement the fresh, tangy profile of the ceviche, pair it with sides that balance its acidity and provide texture and flavor.
Crispy Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips are the perfect vessel for dipping into scallop ceviche. Their crunchiness provides a satisfying contrast to the tender scallops, while the slight saltiness enhances the tangy flavors of the ceviche.
Citrus Salad
A citrus salad, featuring orange and grapefruit, adds a bright, refreshing burst that complements the acidity of the ceviche. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the natural flavors of the scallops without overpowering them.
What to Serve with Smoked Scallops?
Smoked scallops have a rich, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with sides that can either enhance their depth or offer a refreshing contrast. The key is to balance the intense smoky flavor without overshadowing the delicate sweetness of the scallops.
Creamy Risotto
A creamy risotto adds a rich, velvety texture that contrasts with the smoky scallops. The mild, comforting flavor of the risotto enhances the deep smoky taste of the scallops while providing a smooth, satisfying base.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus brings a light, earthy flavor that balances the richness of smoked scallops. The slight char from roasting complements the smoky notes in the scallops, creating a harmonious flavor pairing.
What to Serve with Calabash Style Fried Scallops
Calabash style fried scallops are a customer favorite at NC Seafood Restaurant, known for their crispy exterior and tender, sweet interior. The light, crispy batter and delicate flavor of the scallops pair perfectly with traditional Southern sides.
Wedge Fries
A crispy and golden wedge french fry recipe is the perfect complement to Calabash style fried scallops. Their hearty texture and savory flavor provide a satisfying contrast to the tender, delicate scallops, making them an essential side for any fried seafood dish.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw adds a tangy balance to the crispy fried scallops. The crunchy cabbage and light dressing cut through the richness of the fried seafood, creating a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall meal.
Hush Puppies
Crispy hush puppies are a Southern classic that pair perfectly with Calabash style fried scallops. Their slight sweetness and crunchy texture bring an additional layer of flavor, complementing the scallops’ light batter.
Get Delicious Fresh Calabash Scallops in Raleigh Today
Whether you’re dining in or enjoying a meal at home from our take out menu, classic side dishes like wedge fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies elevate our Calabash style fried scallops to a whole new level. In addition to our fan-favorite scallops, we serve fried shrimp, fried clams, fried oysters, and steamed fish options, along with favorites like clam chowder, hush puppies, and more.
Visit NC Seafood Restaurant today or order online for a delicious Calabash-style seafood experience. You can stay up to date with our latest recipes and happenings by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter below—no spam or gimmicks, just the latest new and recipes.