Fried Scallops for Four

Crispy, golden perfection meets tender, ocean-kissed flavor in this irresistible recipe for Fried Scallops for Four. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper, these large sea scallops are coated in a crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust for an extra satisfying bite. Dipped in buttermilk for added richness and fried to a light, golden hue, these scallops are quick to prepare, making them an ideal option for casual dinners or special occasions. Served with bright, zesty lemon wedges, they’re deliciously versatile as an appetizer, main course, or paired with your favorite sides. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal effort, bringing restaurant-quality fried scallops to your home kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound large sea scallops
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.75 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (or canola oil) for frying
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the tough muscle on the side of each scallop if it is still attached.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to create the seasoned flour.

Step 3

Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Then, pour the breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish.

Step 4

Dredge each scallop in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured scallop into the buttermilk, followed by coating it in breadcrumbs. Ensure each scallop is evenly coated. Place coated scallops on a plate while preparing the rest.

Step 5

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for optimal frying.

Step 6

Carefully place the scallops into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7

Repeat the frying process with the remaining scallops.

Step 8

Serve the fried scallops immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1410 grams (1410.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5719

Total Fat 489.00g	627%
Saturated Fat 38.20g	191%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 206mg	69%
Sodium 5165mg	225%
Total Carbohydrate 222.20g	81%
Dietary Fiber 10.90g	39%
Total Sugars 16.50g
Protein 124.70g	249%

Vitamin D 95IU	476%
Calcium 337mg	26%
Iron 10mg	58%
Potassium 2196mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.0%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 15.4%