Pizza Scallops
Juicy sea scallops seared to perfection, then topped with zesty pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni. A fun, quick, and elegant appetizer that's ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 7 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Scallops and Oven
- b.Position an oven rack 6 inches from the heating element and set the broiler to high.
- c.If the small, tough side-muscle is attached to the scallops, pull it off and discard.
- d.Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear.
- e.Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Scallops
- b.Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer before adding the scallops.
- c.Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
- d.Sear for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per side, without moving them, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- e.Once seared on both sides, remove the skillet from the heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Pizza Toppings
- b.Carefully top each seared scallop with about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce.
- c.Sprinkle a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each scallop.
- d.Place one mini pepperoni slice (or a quarter of a regular slice) on top of the cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Broil to Perfection
- b.Transfer the skillet directly under the preheated broiler.
- c.Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching constantly, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
- d.Do not walk away, as the toppings can burn very quickly under the broiler.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
- c.Garnish the Pizza Scallops with fresh chopped basil.
- d.Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use 'dry' scallops if possible. They are not treated with phosphates and will sear much better than 'wet' scallops.
- 2Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the scallops to achieve a perfect, crusty sear.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in two batches if necessary to ensure each scallop has space to sear rather than steam.
- 4Keep a very close eye on the scallops under the broiler. They can go from perfectly melted to burnt in under 30 seconds.
- 5This appetizer is best served immediately. The texture contrast is best when the scallops are hot and the cheese is freshly melted.
Adapt it for your goals.
Topping Swap
Replace pepperoni with other classic pizza toppings like cooked crumbled Italian sausage, finely diced bell peppers, or sliced black olives.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or use spicy pepperoni for a kick of heat.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Use a mix of provolone, parmesan, and mozzarella for a more complex and savory cheese flavor.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Mix a little dried oregano into the pizza sauce before topping the scallops to enhance the classic pizza flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Scallops are packed with high-quality, lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting satiety.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sea scallops provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, known to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish is a good source of essential minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and zinc, which is vital for immune function and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of three Pizza Scallops contains approximately 225 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie appetizer.