Scallop Roll
Tender, sweet sea scallops, pan-seared to a golden brown, tossed in a light, creamy dressing and piled into a buttery, toasted bun. A taste of a New England summer, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Dressing & Scallops
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, and 1 tbsp of the minced chives. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- c.Gently rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect sear. If the small, tough side-muscle is still attached, pull it off and discard.
- d.Season the dry scallops on both sides with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
- c.Place the buns, cut-sides down, in the melted butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Scallops
- b.Wipe the skillet clean if needed. Add the remaining 3 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter is foaming and shimmering.
- c.Carefully place the scallops in the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Sear for 2-3 minutes per side without moving them, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and they are opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- e.Transfer the seared scallops to a cutting board and let them rest for one minute. Roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces (halves or quarters).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Add the warm, chopped scallops to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to overmix.
- c.If using, place a lettuce leaf inside each toasted bun.
- d.Spoon the scallop mixture evenly into the four buns.
- e.Garnish with the remaining 1 tbsp of chives and serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry is Key: Patting scallops completely dry with paper towels is the most important step for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear.
- 2Hot Pan, Happy Scallops: Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the scallops. This helps them sear quickly on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- 3Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook scallops in a single layer to avoid lowering the pan temperature, which causes them to steam instead of sear. Work in batches if your pan is small.
- 4Watch Like a Hawk: Scallops cook in minutes. Overcooked scallops become rubbery and tough, so watch them closely.
- 5Bun Choice Matters: New England-style top-split buns are traditional for a reason; their flat sides are perfect for buttering and getting an even toast.
- 6Serve Immediately: These rolls are best enjoyed right away while the scallops are warm and the buns are crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or parsley to the dressing for a brighter, herbal flavor.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Whisk in 1/4 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mayonnaise for a gentle heat.
Bacon Lover'sBacon Lover's
Crumble 2-3 strips of crispy cooked bacon and fold it into the scallop mixture before serving.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Scallops are an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These rolls provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids from the scallops, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Source of Key Minerals
Scallops are packed with important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and zinc, which is vital for immune function and metabolism.
Brain Health Booster
The combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3s found in scallops contributes to healthy brain function, potentially improving memory and cognitive performance.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade Scallop Roll has approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands and amounts of butter and mayonnaise used.