Meet the Different Types of Scallops Around the World

When you hear the word scallop, you probably picture the perfectly seared seafood dish you've ordered at a restaurant. Sweet, tender, and packed with flavour, scallops have become a favourite among seafood lovers worldwide.

Did you know there are more than 400 different species of scallops around the world?

That's right. Not all scallops are the same. They come in different sizes, colours, habitats, and even flavours, which means the scallops on your plate may be completely different from the

ones served somewhere else.

Let's meet some of the most popular scallop varieties.

Western Australian Scallops

Known for their naturally sweet flavour and tender texture, Western Australian scallops are often considered one of the finest scallop varieties in the world.

Found in the pristine waters off Australia's west coast, these scallops are recognised for their beautiful shells and delicate taste, making them a popular choice for grilling, pan-searing,

and seafood pasta dishes.

Atlantic Sea Scallops

If you've ever ordered large, restaurant-style scallops, there's a good chance you've eaten Atlantic sea scallops. 

They're one of the largest commercially available scallop species and are known for their firm texture and mild sweetness. Their larger size also makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Japanese Hotate Scallops

Fans of Japanese cuisine will probably recognise the name Hotate.

Japanese scallops are famous for their premium quality, delicate texture, and natural sweetness. They're commonly enjoyed in sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

King Scallops

The name says it all.

King scallops are among the largest scallop species and are instantly recognisable because of their large fan-shaped shells. Their size makes them a favourite for grilled dishes and elegant restaurant presentations where scallops are the star of the plate.

Bay Scallops

Don't underestimate these little guys.

Bay scallops may be smaller, but they're packed with flavour. Their bite-sized shape and natural sweetness make them perfect for soups, salads, pasta dishes, and stir-fries.

Sometimes, the smallest scallops can leave the biggest impression.

Can You Spot the Difference?

The next time you're shopping for seafood or dining at a restaurant, take a closer look.

Can you tell the difference between a king scallop and a bay scallop?

Would you recognise a Japanese Hotate scallop?

You might be surprised by how different each variety looks.

So, Which Scallop Is the Best?

The answer depends entirely on your taste.

If you enjoy larger, meatier scallops, Atlantic and king scallops might be your first choice. If you prefer a sweeter and more delicate flavour, Japanese Hotate and Western Australian scallops are excellent options.

The good news? There's no wrong answer when it comes to scallops.

Up Next...

Now that you've discovered the different types of scallops, it's time to explore another interesting question.

Have you ever wondered where your scallops actually come from?

Not all scallops are harvested the same way. Some are wild-caught, while others are farmed

through aquaculture.

In the next part of our scallop series, we'll explore the differences between wild-caught and farmed scallops, including how they're harvested and how these methods can influence

sustainability, texture, and flavour.

Which one would you choose? Stay tuned to find out.

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