The Simple Dinner Christopher Walken Calls His 'Signature' Dish

Justine Lee

5 March 2025 at 6:15 pm·3-min read

There are some actors in Hollywood who just seem dependable, reliable and like they can do anything. One of the greats in the category is none other than Christopher Walken. Since his breakthrough into cinema in the 1960s, Walken has made a name for himself as a prolific actor with incredible range, killer dance moves and that very distinct way of talking. Depending on your point of reference, you might know and love him from blockbluster movies like Seven Psychopaths and The Deer Hunter or the hit Apple TV+ series, Severance.

But when all is said and done, Christopher Walken is a passionate home cook, as so many of us are. And like a typical home cook, Walken is keen on no-fuss meals small on the ingredients but big on the flavor. In a 2012 interview with Los Angeles Magazine, Walken shared that one of his favorite dinner dishes to make in the kitchen are his pan-seared scallops, or what he calls Scallops a la Walken.

What Makes Christopher Walken's Scallops So Special?

Like most top-tier scallop recipes, Christopher Walken's Scallops a la Walken dish keeps the seafood at center stage. His trick for seasoning is that Walken cooks the scallops in olive oil infused with fresh orange peel. "Just throw a little in there to get some flavor," Walken explains to Lidia Bastianich back in 2015 when he made his famous scallops on the celebrity chef's cooking show. After cooking, Walken then gilds a lily by hitting the scallops with a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before they're served.

Seafood can generally be expensive, and if you feel intimidated about cooking it, that's completely understandable. Not only are Scallops a la Walken approved by the legend that is Christopher Walken, but they can easily get you on your way to becoming a scallop stan.

And believe us, once you fall in love in love with the sweet and delicate shellfish, you can't go back. Scallops are dependable, reliable and they can do anything...just like Christopher Walken.

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How to Make Christopher Walken's Scallops a la Walken

To make Scallops a la Walken, you will need scallops, a couple of oranges, a splash of lemon juice, some salt and some olive oil.

In his own words, here's how to make scallops in the style of Christopher Walken: "You take a peeler and get a couple of oranges and just take the skin off. Then you put it in a pan with some olive oil and some salt. The olive oil gets infused, then you take the peels out and you cook the scallops. Scallops cook very quickly, like shrimp. Cook them real hot for a minute, then throw in a little bit of lemon juice and throw a top on, turn the heat off and let it sit for a minute and steam, it's actually very good." In the episode of Lidia Celebrates America, Walken also seasoned his pan-seared scallops little garlic, chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for that extra oomph of flavor.

So the next time you're in the mood for a little luxury at home, follow Christopher Walken's cooking chops for this quick-cooking and luscious seafood favorite. These scallops are guaranteed to send everyone at the dinner table into a joyful frenzy to the point they all exclaim a Walken "wow!"

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