How To Cook Scallops: A Guide by Carmelita Seafood

How To Cook Scallops: A Guide by Carmelita Seafood

To cook frozen scallops with more detailed instructions:

  1. Thaw the Scallops:
    • Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended): Place the frozen scallops in a container and thaw in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
    • Cold Water Thawing: For quicker thawing, put the scallops in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This should take 1-2 hours.
  2. Pat Dry:
    • After thawing, remove the scallops from the bag and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Gently press more paper towels on top to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
  3. Season the Scallops:
    • Lightly drizzle the scallops with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer (like garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest)
  4. Cooking Methods:
    • Searing:
      • Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of high-heat oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
      • Once the oil is shimmering and hot (but not smoking), place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they are not touching. This allows the scallops to develop a nice crust.
      • Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Do not move them while they’re cooking to allow a golden crust to form. The scallops are ready to flip when they release easily from the pan.
      • Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch.
    • Baking:
      • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
      • Place the seasoned scallops in a lightly greased baking dish. For extra flavor, you can add a bit of melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice over the scallops.
      • Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops, until they are opaque and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into one; it should be opaque all the way through.
    • Grilling:
      • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
      • Thread the scallops onto skewers (if grilling small scallops) to make them easier to handle.
      • Grill the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should have nice grill marks and be opaque throughout.
      • Be careful not to overcook, as scallops can become tough if cooked too long.
  5. Serving:
    • Serve the scallops immediately with your favorite sides, such as garlic butter, lemon wedges, or over a bed of rice or salad. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil or melted butter for added richness.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked scallops!

How to Tell if a Scallop is Done

To achieve perfectly cooked scallops, aim for a tender and juicy texture. Overcooked scallops become dry and chewy. Here’s how to know when they’re done:

  • Appearance: Cooked scallops should have firm edges with a center that remains slightly opaque and translucent.
  • Temperature: The ideal internal temperature is 125°F. Since scallops continue to cook after being removed from heat, take them off the skillet when they reach 120°F for optimal results.

Common Questions

  • Should scallops be salted before cooking?
    Yes, season your scallops with salt and pepper before cooking. Be sure to dry them first to ensure a perfect sear.
  • Are fresh scallops better than frozen?
    Fresh scallops are ideal if you live near the coast and can use them the same day. However, high-quality individually quick frozen (IQF) scallops can be superior to supermarket “fresh” ones that are several days old.
  • Should you rinse fresh scallops before cooking?
    Rinse your scallops briefly to remove any grit, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. For best results, you can also dry them in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.
  • Should scallops be cooked in butter or oil?
    While butter is recommended for the best sear, you can also cook scallops in vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil if preferred.
  • How long to cook scallops in an air fryer?
    Cook scallops in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are opaque and golden.
  • How long to cook scallops on the stove?
    Sear scallops on the stove for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they develop a golden crust and are opaque in the center.




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