Scallops with Orange Sauce - a sweet citrus sauce served over scallops is a lovely meal that cooks quickly, looks elegant and tastes divine.
Why This Recipe Works
- Scallops are one of the easiest kinds of seafood to cook and they can be ready in minutes.
- For this recipe, we use sea scallops which are much larger than bay scallops. A few sea scallops go a long way!
Ingredient Notes
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Oranges
- Lemon
- Sugar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Coriander, salt, and pepper
- Butter
- Scallops
- Olive oil
How to Make Orange Sauce
When making the orange sauce, you will notice in the recipe instructions that you heat the sugar in the pan first. The sugar will begin to melt and turn a lovely amber color. At this point, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the juices, vinegar, zest and coriander.
The sugar might harden when you introduce the liquids but trust me, it will eventually dissolve when you place the pan back on the stove to reheat. As you reheat the sauce, continue to stir and the sauce will thicken.
Scallops Recipe with Orange Sauce
The scallops cook very quickly so I make the orange sauce first. The perfectly sweetened orange sauce is a mix of orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, sugar, ground coriander, apple cider vinegar, and butter. After the sauce cooks, I pour it off to the side and quickly pan-sear the scallops.
When cooking the scallops, make sure you dry them first. This will ensure you get a good sear on the outside. Also, be sure to stick close by your pan. Cooking scallops requires a watchful eye as over-cooking can quickly result in tough scallops. You will know your scallops are cooked when the scallops are opaque and the outsides are firm.
After the scallops have cooked, I place them on a plate alongside white rice or quinoa and pour some of the lovely citrus sauce over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Scallops Taste Like?
Scallops are slightly sweet and have a taste that is similar to lobster. They are rich in flavor and a few will go a long way. When cooked properly, scallops are smooth and tender and will melt in your mouth.
How Do You Buy Sea Scallops?
Buy the freshest scallops you can find. Be sure to purchase scallops from a reputable fishmonger. You will likely find fresh scallops in the seafood section of your grocery store.
Can I Use Frozen Scallops?
Yes. Be sure to thaw the scallops overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw them at room temperature. Rinse scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the scallops to the pan.
- Don't overcrowd the scallops in the pan.
- Do not move or touch the scallops until you are ready to flip them.
If you're looking for a wine to serve with this scallops dish, I would recommend a Sauvignon Blanc.

Scallops With Orange Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 medium oranges
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Grate 1 tablespoon of orange zest, then juice the oranges and the lemon into a bowl.
- Sprinkle the sugar in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until dark amber, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vinegar, citrus juices, zest, and the coriander.
- Return to medium-heat and boil until thick, stirring, about 5 minutes (If the sugar hardens, it will dissolve as the sauce heats and thickens).
- Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the butter. Cover the pan and set aside.
- Season the scallops on one side with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallops seasoned-side down and sear until golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook until golden on the other side 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa making sure to drizzle the orange sauce over the scallops.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Excellent and will definitely make again!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for letting me know!
Can’t wait to try this, my family love’s scallops, I’m sure they would love this recipe. Do you think it would go good with other type’s of seafood, maybe shrimps etc…..
Chanel, Although I haven’t tried it with other seafood, I would think it would be great over shrimp or a mild fish such as tilapia or even catfish. I hope you enjoy the sauce, I’d love to hear what you decided to use it with.
Beautiful photos, Joanie. Stay warm this weekend!
Thank you, Andi. You stay warm too 🙂
What a cool twist on scallops! Now I’m inspired to try other fruity and spicy versions of scallops!
Thanks, Shelby. Scallops are such a mild fish, sweet sauces go very well with them.
Scallops are one of my favorite special occasion dishes, and this orange sauce looks incredible!
Thank you so much, Courtney.
I absolutely LOVE scallops but have never attempted to make them myself! They look incredible with that orange sauce. I really need to give them a try!
I absolutely LOVE scallops and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
It HAS been dreary down here the past few days! Although I am not quite ready for the summer heat, I would love a little warmer weather. These scallops remind me of that! Nice warm weather, toes in the sand! Great recipe Joanie!
Yes Kelley, toes in the sand…can’t wait…
I adore scallops but I’ve never had them with orange sauce. I need to get on that! These look fabulous!
Yes you do, Lauren 😉 The sauce is so good.
I’m a big wimp in this weather too…us Texas girls just aren’t used to this. I’m in central Texas and it was snowing yesterday! SNOW! We have been on a big scallop kick recently and these look fabulous! Will be surprising my husband with your delicious version soon!
I saw your beautiful scallops on your blog today, Mischa. I just can’t get enough of them and I think I’ll be trying your recipe soon. I can’t believe this crazy Texas weather. We’ve just been cold and rainy, no snow.
My husband LOVES scallops! This dish looks perfect for him!
This dish is probably one of my husband’s favorite meals, Julie.
I commented on another scallops post saying I have never made them before and have this fear Gordon Ramsey will pop out and yell at me for making them wrong 🙂
Oh no, Kacey. You won’t make them wrong. They’re so easy to make, you’ve got to try them 🙂
I love orange sauce on chicken and shrimp so I’m sure it will be wonderful on scallops. Can’t wait to try it!
I love it too, Linda. It’s fantastic on scallops.
How elegant are THOSE!
Thanks, Dorothy 🙂
Joanie – this is a wonderful combination of a quick weeknight dinner and an elegant dish. Scallops cook so easily and quickly – the trick is to have a sauce ready that will complement them, and this looks like a winner. I love the sweetness of the orange and sugar combined with the tart vinegar and flavorful coriander.
Thank you, Laura. It really does come together quickly.
That sauce over the scallops sounds absolutely divine, Joanie!
Thanks, Melanie. The sauce really is delicious, especially drizzled over the rice.
I love scallops, hands down my favorite seafood of all time! Your sauce looks fantastic, It’s hard to find decent scallops in Mississippi but I might need to look harder so I can make this 🙂
Thanks so much, Sheena.