Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for scallops
Best swap for scallops: Large shrimp, 1:1 by count; shorter cook time, similar sweetness; shrimp is crustacean shellfish, an allergen scallops do not carry.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Scallops?
The best swap for Scallops is Large Shrimp, 1:1 by count; shorter cook time, similar sweetness; shrimp is crustacean shellfish, an allergen scallops do not carry. Another option is King Oyster Mushroom Rounds, slice stem into rounds; good vegan stand-in for seared scallop texture. The table below also lists Monkfish Medallions and Hearts of Palm Rounds, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp | 1:1 by count; shorter cook time, similar sweetness; shrimp is crustacean shellfish, an allergen scallops do not carry |
| King oyster mushroom rounds | slice stem into rounds; good vegan stand-in for seared scallop texture |
| Monkfish medallions | cut into 1 inch rounds, 1:1 by weight; firm and sweet, and it sears the same way |
| Hearts of palm rounds | thick-cut rounds seared hard in a dry pan; the standard vegan stand-in, similar bite once browned |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for scallops