What are Scallops?
Scallops are a shellfish that have a very tender and delicate texture and taste, and they are an edible bivalve mollusc from the Pectinidae family. You will probably recognize them by their ribbed fan-shaped shell and they come in varying sizes, from the small bay scallops to the larger sea scallops. No matter the size of the scallop, using scallops as an ingredient can make any meal feel a bit more fancy.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Scallops?
Whether you use frozen scallops or fresh scallops, the important thing is to bring them to room temperature before cooking. For frozen scallops, it is best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bring them to room temperature by letting them sit for 30 minutes on the countertop before cooking. Once the scallops are at room temperature, it’s very important to remove any excess moisture (you can use a paper towel pat the scallops dry) so that they brown nicely when cooking. The easiest way to cook scallops would be a quick sear in a greased hot pan or skillet that results in a delicacy that is tender and sweet. Approximately two minutes per side is enough, and do not overcook the scallops as they will turn rubbery. If using other ingredients in your dish, you can prepare the ingredients beforehand and then incorporate them when the scallops are cooked.
Best Scallop Recipes
From Creamy Garlic Scallops and Scallop Bacon Pasta, to Sriracha Glazed Scallops and Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Rice Risotto, here are the 33 best scallop recipes to choose from. Make sure you browse through them all, because there are so many amazing choices here and pin your favorites to cook for that special occasion coming up.
