

Imagine a dish that transports you to the serene shores of the sea with every bite. The Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs & Orange Sauce Recipe is precisely that culinary marvel. This dish marries the natural sweetness of sea scallops with the refreshing zest of orange, creating a flavour profile that dances on your palate.
Fresh herbs elevate the experience, adding aromatic depth and a burst of colour that makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for both special occasions and cosy dinners at home, this recipe is designed to impress and delight. Dive into the artistry of cooking sea scallops and discover how these ocean gems can transform your dining experience.
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, this Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs & Orange Sauce recipe is a must-try. Bursting with flavour, naturally gluten-free, and surprisingly simple to prepare, it’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. Beyond the elegant presentation, this dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavours:
- Scallops, when seared properly, develop a gorgeous golden crust while staying buttery soft inside.
- The orange sauce brings a subtle sweetness and tang, cutting through the richness of the seafood.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme and chives add fragrance and a pop of colour, making the dish feel fresh and seasonal.
Even better? This meal is naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and fits easily into a pescatarian diet—ideal for coeliac guests or those looking to enjoy healthy seafood recipes without sacrificing flavour.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs & Orange Sauce Recipe :

Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs and Orange Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For Scallops
- 900 g sea scallops, cleaned
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and dill work beautifully), finely chopped
For the Orange Sauce
- 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with kitchen paper to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make the Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and white wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
Cook the Scallops
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and the butter has melted, carefully add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and slightly caramelised. Remove from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.
Garnish and Serve
- Place the scallops on serving plates. Drizzle the warm orange sauce over the top and sprinkle with the fresh herbs. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
Menus for Every Occasion
Bring your scallop experience to life with themed menus tailored for specific occasions. Whether you’re after a romantic setting or festive grandeur, these menu combinations ensure a well-balanced, flavourful, and visually stunning meal:
- Date Night: Create an intimate and indulgent evening with pan-seared scallops served over saffron risotto, alongside tender asparagus drizzled with lemon butter. Finish with a silky vanilla panna cotta topped with citrus glaze. Pair with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or sparkling elderflower.
- Dinner Party: Impress your guests with wild rice pilaf flecked with herbs and toasted almonds, served with roasted baby carrots glazed in honey and thyme. Complement with a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and finish with a classic lemon tart for a sweet, zesty ending.
- Festive Feast: For special celebrations, serve scallops atop creamy parmesan polenta with grilled seasonal vegetables. Add a side of warm sourdough with herbed butter, toast with chilled Champagne, and conclude with a decadent almond cake drizzled in orange blossom syrup.
- Healthy Gourmet: Keep things light and fresh with a citrus-dressed rocket and spinach salad, scallops atop a velvety cauliflower purée, and a citrus and berry sorbet trio to finish. A sparkling cucumber mint water or elderflower presse rounds out the wellness vibe perfectly.
Each menu is designed to highlight the versatility of scallops while maintaining balance and sophistication. Mix and match based on seasonality, preferences, or the mood you want to set.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs & Orange Sauce Recipe into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal with carefully curated accompaniments. From grains and greens to wine pairings and indulgent desserts, here’s how to build a stunning menu around this elegant seafood dish.
Grain-Based Companions (to soak up the sauce and add texture)
- Lemon and parsley couscous – quick and vibrant, it mirrors the orange and herb notes in the scallops.
- Wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds – nutty, aromatic, and a great textural contrast.
- Cauliflower purée – smooth and mild, creating a silky bed that lets the scallops shine.
- Parmesan polenta – indulgent and creamy with a subtle saltiness that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Saffron risotto – golden and rich with floral notes that complement the fresh herbs.
- Garlic and herb mashed potatoes – comforting and satisfying, for a heartier twist.
Vegetable Sides (for colour, crunch, and balance)
- Steamed asparagus with lemon zest – light, crisp and just bitter enough to cut the richness.
- Roasted baby carrots glazed in honey-thyme – earthy and sweet to echo the orange tones.
- Grilled courgette ribbons with olive oil – Mediterranean and delicate.
- Charred tenderstem broccoli with sea salt – crunchy and bold.
- Citrus-dressed rocket and spinach salad – peppery and refreshing to balance buttery scallops.
- Balsamic roasted beetroot and fennel – adds a touch of sweetness and acidity
Beverage Pairings (to elevate flavour)
- Non-alcoholic citrus spritzers with herbs like mint or basil.
- Sparkling elderflower cordial with cucumber slices – botanical and refreshing.
Final Thoughts
Sea Scallops with Fresh Herbs & Orange Sauce Recipe is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the golden sear of the scallops to the brightness of the citrus and the aromatic lift of fresh herbs, every element comes together in harmony. It’s a dish that proves gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated, and elegance can come from simplicity.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, entertaining friends, or just indulging in something a little special for yourself, this recipe offers a deliciously refined way to celebrate seasonal ingredients and fresh flavours. The versatility in presentation and pairing options also means it can be customised for any occasion—from light summer lunches to festive evening feasts.
If you’re new to scallops, this is a perfect place to start. If you’re already a seafood lover, consider this your new go-to classic. Whichever way you serve it, one thing’s certain: this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Bon appétit!