Scallops keep in the freezer for 3 to 6 months at peak quality and stay safe to eat for up to 6 to 12 months when sealed airtight at 0°F (-18°C). In the refrigerator, fresh raw scallops last just 1 to 2 days and cooked scallops last 3 to 4 days. Below is exactly how long scallops last frozen, refrigerated, thawed, and cooked, plus how to freeze, defrost, and spot spoilage before it reaches your plate.

Storing Scallops in the Freezer

Proper freezer storage keeps scallops firm, sweet, and safe. Seal them airtight, hold the freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C), and label every package with the freeze date so you can track how long they have been stored.

Proper Storage of Scallops

When storing scallops, keep them in airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn and preserve their taste. Use vacuum-sealed bags or heavy-duty freezer bags, and press out the air before sealing to create a tight seal. Label the packaging with the date to monitor how long they have been stored.

Freezing Fresh Scallops

Fresh scallops can be frozen to maintain their freshness for later use. Begin by rinsing the scallops under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them in your chosen packaging.

If you prefer to freeze scallops with their shells, clean them thoroughly first. When freezing, portion them so you can take out only what you need for a given meal, which lets you avoid thawing more than you will cook.

Shelf Life of Frozen Scallops

Understanding the shelf life of frozen scallops helps you enjoy them at their best. Here you'll learn how long scallops keep in the freezer and the factors that affect their longevity.

How Long Can Scallops Be Stored in the Freezer?

Frozen scallops maintain their quality for a significant period. Generally, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 to 12 months. However, for the best taste and texture, consume them within 3 to 6 months. Cooked scallops keep a shorter time when frozen, roughly 2 to 3 months. Below is a table summarizing the storage duration:

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Frozen Scallops

Several factors influence how long scallops remain good in the freezer. Be mindful of the following:

By keeping these factors in mind, you can maximize the shelf life of your frozen scallops. For more related information, check out our article on how long are hot dogs good in the freezer? for additional insights on freezer storage.

How Long Do Scallops Last in the Fridge?

Scallops are highly perishable, so the refrigerator only buys you a few days. Fresh raw scallops last 1 to 2 days, cooked scallops last 3 to 4 days, and scallops thawed from frozen should be cooked within 1 to 2 days. Keep your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) and store scallops in the coldest part, usually the back of the bottom shelf.

Fresh Raw Scallops

Fresh raw scallops keep for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator, whether the package is opened or unopened. To get the full window, transfer them out of a supermarket foam tray into an airtight container or resealable bag, then set that container on a bed of ice in the coldest part of the fridge. Draining and replacing the ice as it melts keeps the scallops cold without waterlogging them. A damp paper towel over the scallops helps them hold moisture. Keep them away from strongly scented foods so they don't absorb off-odors, and store them separately from other raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.

If you can't cook fresh scallops within that window, freeze them to extend their life by months (see the freezer shelf life above). For other seafood, see how long can salmon be in the fridge for? and how long can raw tuna stay in the fridge?.

Cooked Scallops

Cooked scallops last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, before bacteria have a chance to multiply, and store them in a shallow airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Reheat only what you will eat, and bring reheated scallops to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Thawed and Defrosted Scallops

Scallops thawed in the refrigerator should be cooked within 1 to 2 days. Once thawed, never refreeze them raw, as this degrades their texture and increases the risk of bacterial growth. Treat defrosted raw scallops exactly like fresh raw scallops: keep them cold, sealed, and cook them promptly.

Tips for Freezing Scallops

Freezing scallops preserves their freshness and flavor for future meals. Here are the essential steps for freezing scallops well.

Preparing Scallops for Freezing

Before freezing scallops, proper preparation is key to maintaining their quality:

1. Clean the Scallops: Rinse scallops under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Remove the Muscle: If the scallops have the tough side muscle, remove it for a better texture once cooked.
3. Portion Control: Portion the scallops into meal-sized amounts so you only thaw what you need, reducing waste.
4. Pre-freeze (Optional): Lay scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, about an hour. This stops them from sticking together in storage.

Best Practices for Freezing Scallops

Proper technique significantly extends the shelf life of scallops. Follow these best practices:

Thawing Frozen Scallops

Thawing frozen scallops properly maintains their quality and safety. Here are the best methods for defrosting scallops, including sea scallops.

Safely Thawing Frozen Scallops

1. Refrigerator Thawing: The safest method. Place the frozen scallops in a covered container and leave them in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thaw maintains quality.

2. Cold Water Thawing: To thaw quickly, place scallops in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. This typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

3. Microwave Thawing: Not the preferred method, but you can use the defrost setting. Be cautious, as it can partially cook the scallops and affect texture. Cook them immediately after thawing this way.

Never thaw scallops at room temperature, which lets the surface enter the temperature danger zone while the center is still frozen.

Methods for Thawing Scallops

Reheating Cooked Scallops

Reheating scallops gently preserves their texture while bringing them to a safe temperature. Whichever method you use, heat the scallops to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Microwave: Place scallops in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in short intervals of 15 to 20 seconds until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat to 275°F (135°C), place scallops on a foil-covered baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil or butter and cook scallops 2 to 3 minutes per side until heated through.

Inspecting Scallops for Spoilage

Whether refrigerated or frozen, scallops can still go bad. Fresh scallops should feel firm and moist, look creamy white or slightly pink, and smell mild and oceanic. Watch for these signs of spoilage in raw, cooked, and frozen scallops.

When to discard: if scallops show significant discoloration, smell off, feel slimy, or have been frozen longer than the quality window, throw them away. Even scallops that look fine should be tossed for quality reasons once they pass their recommended storage time. When in doubt, do not eat them.

Food Safety and Handling

Safe handling keeps scallops free of the bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Follow these guidelines from purchase to plate.

1. Buy from reputable sources: Choose the freshest scallops available and refrigerate them promptly after purchase.
2. Keep them cold: Store scallops at or below 40°F (4°C) in the coldest part of the fridge. Bacteria multiply fastest in the temperature danger zone of 40°F to 140°F.
3. Wash hands and sanitize: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling scallops, and sanitize any utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces that touch them.
4. Avoid cross-contamination: Store scallops separately from other raw foods, especially poultry and red meat, and use separate cutting boards and utensils.
5. Marinate in the fridge: If you marinate scallops, do it in the refrigerator, never on the counter.
6. Cook to 145°F: Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), checking with a food thermometer.

Cooking With Scallops

Once you've confirmed your scallops are fresh, they can be a fast, versatile addition to almost any meal. Scallops cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture.

Cooking With Frozen Scallops

Always thaw scallops safely before cooking, either overnight in the refrigerator or in a cold water bath, and avoid thawing at room temperature. Scallops can be grilled, seared, baked, or added to pasta, and they cook in only a few minutes per side. The right method draws out their natural sweetness and gives a delicate texture.

Recipes and Ideas

1. Garlic Butter Scallops: Sear thawed scallops in butter and garlic for a quick, flavorful dish. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

2. Seared Scallops with Risotto: Sear scallops on high heat until a golden crust forms and serve over creamy risotto or sauteed vegetables.

3. Scallop Tacos: Use grilled scallops as a taco filling. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

4. Scallop Pasta: Toss lightly cooked scallops into linguine with a white wine sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs.

5. Scallop Stir-Fry or Kebabs: Add scallops to a vegetable stir-fry, or skewer them with vegetables and grill for a smoky flavor.

6. Seafood Paella: Fold scallops into a traditional paella with other seafood, rice, and spices.

For leftovers, refrigerate within two hours, reheat to 165°F, and reuse creatively in omelets, salads, or a scallop spread mixed with cream cheese and herbs. For more seafood storage guidance, see how long can shrimp be out of the fridge?.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do fresh scallops last in the fridge?

Fresh raw scallops last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C), whether the package is opened or unopened. Store them sealed on a bed of ice in the coldest part of the fridge.

How long are cooked scallops good for?

Cooked scallops keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long can thawed scallops stay in the fridge?

Scallops thawed in the refrigerator should be cooked within 1 to 2 days. Do not refreeze thawed raw scallops, as it harms texture and raises the risk of bacterial growth.

How long can you freeze scallops?

Scallops keep 3 to 6 months in the freezer for best quality and up to 6 to 12 months when vacuum-sealed at 0°F (-18°C). Cooked scallops are best used within 2 to 3 months of freezing.

Does freezing ruin scallops?

No. Scallops frozen at peak freshness and sealed airtight hold their texture and flavor well. The main quality risk is freezer burn, which comes from air exposure, so remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Are frozen scallops as good as fresh?

Often, yes. Many scallops are flash-frozen shortly after harvest and rival fresh ones. Quality depends on how fresh the scallops were when frozen and how well they were sealed against freezer burn.

How do you defrost sea scallops?

Thaw sea scallops overnight in the refrigerator for the best result, or seal them in a bag and submerge in cold water changed every 30 minutes for 1 to 2 hours. Never thaw scallops at room temperature.

How can you tell if scallops are spoiled?

Spoiled scallops give off a sour or ammonia-like smell, feel slimy or sticky, and turn a dull gray, brown, yellow, or milky color. Discard scallops showing any of these signs.

How long are leftover scallops good for?

Leftover cooked scallops are good for 3 to 4 days when refrigerated within two hours of cooking and stored in an airtight container.

What temperature should scallops be cooked to?

Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

Get Your Upgrade or New Addition at Fridge.com