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Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This scallop stir-fry with green peas is a fantastic option! Tender scallops, sweet green peas, and savory onions come together in this simple yet flavorful dish. With a touch of soy sauce and garlic, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This scallop stir-fry recipe is very fast and easy to make. Scallops cook very quickly, so they are a perfect choice when you are pressed for time. Scallops, green peas and onions plus seasonings make a very delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love Scallop Stir-Fry With Green Peas

Quick and easy: This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
Packed with flavor: The combination of tender scallops, sweet green peas, and savory garlic and soy sauce creates a dish full of delicious, balanced flavors.
Healthy and light: Scallops are low in fat and high in protein, and paired with nutrient-rich green peas, this stir-fry is both nutritious and filling.
Minimal ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to whip up this stir-fry, so it’s convenient even when you’re low on groceries.
Versatile: This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone meal, making it adaptable to various preferences and sides.

Scallop Stir Fry Recipe With Green Peas

Number of servings (yield): 4

Ingredients

2 lbs scallops – The star of the dish, scallops cook quickly and add a delightful tenderness to the stir-fry.
1 lb frozen green peas – Sweet and vibrant, green peas add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
1 onion, chopped – Adds a mild sweetness and extra texture to complement the scallops.
1 tbsp oil – Used to sauté the onions and scallops, helping them cook evenly without sticking.
3 tbsp soy sauce – Provides a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir-fry.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a punch of flavor and aroma, making the dish even more appetizing.
1/8 tsp red pepper – Just a pinch for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the peas and onions.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Scallop Stir-Fry With Green Peas

Non-stick frying pan: Essential for sautéing the scallops and vegetables without sticking.
Microwave: Used to quickly defrost the frozen green peas.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the oil, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes accurately.
Spatula: For stirring and turning the ingredients as they cook.

Instructions

Put green peas in a microwave-safe bowl. Thaw in a microwave on a “Defrost” setting for 7 minutes. Check to see if they are completely defrosted – if not, defrost for several more minutes.
Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes.
Add the scallops and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes (or until no longer transculent). Cooked scallops have white opaque color.
Add green peas, soy sauce, garlic and red pepper. Stir. Cook, stirring periodically, for 4 minutes.
Taste to see if it’s salty enough. If it needs more salt, add more soy sauce to taste.
Remove the scallop stir-fry from heat and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the scallop stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a stir-fried cabbage recipe.
You can also pair it with quinoa or noodles for a different texture and to round out the meal.
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Add a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten up the flavors with a squeeze of citrus just before eating.

Tips For Success

Thawing scallops: If using frozen scallops, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water to defrost more quickly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them sear better in the pan.
Don’t overcook the scallops: Scallops cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. They should turn from translucent to opaque white when done, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
Evenly sliced onions: Make sure to chop your onions into even pieces so they cook uniformly. This ensures every bite has a balance of sweetness from the onion and richness from the scallops.
Soy sauce balance: Taste the stir-fry before serving to ensure the soy sauce level suits your taste. If it’s not salty enough, add a bit more soy sauce; if it’s too salty, you can balance it out with a splash of water or lemon juice.
Use high heat: Cooking the stir-fry over medium-high heat ensures that the scallops and vegetables cook quickly without steaming, which preserves the vibrant color and firm texture of the ingredients.

Variations And Substitutions

Swap the scallops: If you don’t have scallops or prefer a different protein, shrimp or chicken can be excellent substitutes. Cook them in the same way as the scallops, adjusting the cook time as needed.
Add more veggies: You can easily bulk up this stir-fry by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just stir-fry the additional vegetables before adding the scallops to make sure they are tender but still crisp.
Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili oil. You could even add sliced fresh chilies for an extra kick.
Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. These alternatives provide the same umami flavor without gluten.
Low-sodium option: To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a little water. You’ll still get that savory flavor, but with less salt.

Feel free to mix and match these variations depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The scallop stir-fry will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stir-fry in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, which should take about 5 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate and heating for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because scallops can lose their delicate texture when frozen and reheated. However, if you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can defrost them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.

What can I serve with scallop stir-fry?

This scallop stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Absolutely! Fresh peas can be a great substitute for frozen peas. Just make sure to blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the stir-fry so they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.

How do I avoid overcooking the scallops?

Scallops cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. They should turn opaque white in just 4-5 minutes. Overcooking can result in rubbery scallops, so as soon as they lose their translucency and become firm, take them off the heat.

Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

While this stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and defrost the scallops in advance to save time. You can also cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Other Easy Scallop Recipes

Easy Air Fryer Scallops: These air fryer scallops are tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked in just minutes with a garlic butter glaze.

Scallop Stir Fry with Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Salad: A delicious combination of stir-fried scallops, crispy roasted potatoes, and a refreshing tomato cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Scallop Stir-Fry with Mushrooms and Bok Choy: This flavorful scallop stir-fry features tender mushrooms and crisp bok choy for a light, healthy meal.

Other Easy Green Peas Recipes

Air Fryer Crispy Green Peas: These air fryer green peas are roasted to crunchy perfection, making them a healthy and addictive snack.

Crispy Oven-Roasted Green Peas Snack: This easy oven-roasted green peas recipe creates a crispy, savory snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Simple Green Peas and Rice Recipe: A quick and easy side dish made with fluffy rice and sweet green peas, perfect for any meal.

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry with Green Peas: This shrimp stir fry is loaded with colorful veggies and green peas, making it a tasty and healthy dinner option.

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