Stir-Fried Scallops is an elegant Thai seafood dish featuring tender, sweet scallops quickly stir-fried with garlic, crisp vegetables, and a savory oyster sauce-based seasoning. Popular in upscale Thai seafood restaurants, this dish highlights the delicate flavor of fresh scallops while adding the bold yet balanced flavors that Thai cuisine is known for.

Quick cooking over high heat keeps the scallops juicy and tender, making this dish a perfect choice for both special occasions and restaurant-quality meals at home.

What Is Stir-Fried Scallops?

Stir-Fried Scallops, known in Thailand as Hoi Shell Pad Nam Man Hoi, is a seafood stir-fry where fresh sea scallops are cooked with vegetables and a flavorful blend of oyster sauce, fish sauce, and light seasonings. The dish is designed to enhance the natural sweetness of scallops without overpowering their delicate texture.

Served with jasmine rice, it is a light yet luxurious meal that showcases the freshness of premium seafood.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Delicate and naturally sweet scallops
  • Authentic Thai restaurant-style flavor
  • High in protein and low in carbohydrates
  • Perfect for special dinners
  • Ready in less than 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

  • 500g large sea scallops
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup baby corn, sliced
  • 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 3 tablespoons seafood stock
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges

Preparation Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Rinse the scallops gently under cold water.

Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Remove the small side muscle if still attached.

Dry scallops sear better and develop a more appealing texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Seafood stock
  • White pepper

Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.

Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Add sliced onion and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add:

  • Red bell pepper
  • Yellow bell pepper
  • Baby corn

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Cook the Scallops

Push the vegetables to one side of the wok.

Add the scallops and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side.

The scallops should become lightly golden while remaining tender inside.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok.

Gently toss the scallops and vegetables together.

Cook for another minute until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Add spring onions and stir briefly.

Remove from heat immediately.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with cilantro, chilies, and lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic fried rice
  • Coconut rice
  • Brown rice

For a complete Thai seafood meal, pair with:

  • Thai Herbal Soup
  • Papaya Salad
  • Stir-Fried Morning Glory
  • Fresh Tropical Fruit

Chef's Tips

Do Not Overcook the Scallops

Scallops become tough and rubbery when overcooked.

Cook just until opaque and lightly golden.

Pat Scallops Dry

Removing excess moisture helps achieve a beautiful sear.

Use High Heat

A hot wok or skillet creates the best texture and flavor.

Use Fresh Scallops

Fresh sea scallops provide the sweetest taste and most tender texture.

Popular Variations

Thai Basil Scallops

Add fresh Thai basil leaves during the final minute of cooking.

Garlic Pepper Scallops

Increase garlic and add freshly cracked black pepper for extra aroma.

Spicy Chili Scallops

Add bird's eye chilies and Thai chili paste for a fiery version.

Seafood Deluxe Stir-Fry

Combine scallops with:

  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Mussels
  • Fish

For an impressive seafood feast.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Freezer

Not recommended, as cooked scallops can lose their delicate texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat for a short time to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 230
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Perfect Beverage Pairings

Serve Stir-Fried Scallops with:

  • Thai Lemon Tea
  • Coconut Water
  • Pandan Drink
  • Fresh Lychee Juice

These refreshing beverages complement the delicate sweetness of the scallops and enhance the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Stir-Fried Scallops is a refined Thai seafood dish that combines the natural sweetness of premium scallops with crisp vegetables and a savory Thai-style sauce. Elegant yet easy to prepare, it is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or anyone looking to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home. Serve it with fragrant jasmine rice and experience the delicate flavors of Thailand’s coastal cuisine