# Scallops cooking times

How long to cook scallops: **1–2 min per side pan-fried, 3–4 min under the grill and 1–2 min per side on the barbecue**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/scallops-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook scallops

Times are for about 4 king scallops per person as a starter.

Scallops: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 1–2 min per side | in a very hot pan | In a little oil, then a knob of butter; don’t move them until they release. |
| [Grill](https://feastflow.co.uk/grilling-times) | 3–4 min | under a hot grill | In the shell, with butter; no need to turn. |
| [Barbecue](https://feastflow.co.uk/bbq-cooking-times) | 1–2 min per side | over very hot direct heat | On skewers or in the shell. |

## Before you start

Pat very dry and season just before cooking.

## How to tell it’s done

Golden crust, just opaque at the sides and slightly translucent in the middle.

## Questions

### How long to pan-fry scallops?

1–2 min per side in a very hot pan. In a little oil, then a knob of butter; don’t move them until they release.

### How long to grill scallops?

3–4 min under a hot grill. In the shell, with butter; no need to turn.

### How long to barbecue scallops?

1–2 min per side over very hot direct heat. On skewers or in the shell.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/