How to Cook Scallops
Cooking scallops can be intimidating, so today we're talking How to Cook Scallops with two Scallop Recipes you can't resist! The scallop recipes in this post are super easy - baked scallops with a simple topping and pan seared scallops with butter for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pan Seared Scallops
- 1 pound Scallops
- 2 Tablespoons Butter unsalted
- 1/4 teaspooon salt and pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons parsley minced, or a combo of herbs
Baked Scallops
- 1 pound scallops
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 garlic gloves minced
- 1/4 cup Panko
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon parsley and oregano minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
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Pat dry the scallops on a piece of paper or plate.
Pan Seared Scallops
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Prepare the seasoning blend of salt, pepper , oregano and garlic powder and generously season the scallops on both sides.
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Preheat a skillet with the 3 tablespoons of butter. Make sure the butter doesn't burn.
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Add in the scallops in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes on high heat. You may cook for a minute less of more depending on the size of your scallops.
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Don't over crowd the pan in order to get a perfect sear.
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Flip the scallops when golden.
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Finish off with more butter, lemon slices and fresh herbs while off the heat.
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Serve right away drizzling the butter pan sauce over them.
Baked Scallops
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Season the scallops with salt and pepper, and then brush generously on both sides with melted butter.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange a baking sheet with some scallop shells in them. If you can't find shells, then you can skip that part.
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Make the crunch topping for the baked scallops by combining garlic, panko, lemon zest, parmesan and fresh herbs in a bowl. Add in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
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Place the seasoned scallops on the shells in the baking sheet.
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Top each scallop with a generous amount of topping.
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Bake the scallops for 10 minutes until cooked through. You may switch to broil for 2 extra minutes to get the topping to be golden.
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Serve right away!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Scallop Recipe Tips:
- Buy fresh scallops whenever possible and depending on the size, adjust cooking times.
- Always pat dry your scallops before cooking.
- Pan-seared scallops require high heat for 3 minutes on each side or until golden
- Baked scallops need to bake at 200 degrees F for 10 minutes or until browned. If you're using large scallops, you may need to broil the tops for 2 minutes.
- Scallops are ready when they are opaque in the middle
- Be careful not to overcook your scallops as they will become tough and rubbery. To prevent overcooking, make sure to watch the time and set a timer for any recipe with scallops.
- Topping for baked scallops can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
Q&A :
Are scallops shellfish?
Scallops are seafood that falls under the category of shellfish.
What can you use as an alternative to scallop shells?
If you cannot find any scallop shells or do not have access to them, then you can also use lobster meat as a substitute.
What to serve with scallops?
Scallops are great served on their own with just a squeeze of lemon juice.
If you're looking for something a little more substantial, serve them alongside:
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh greens (tender stem broccoli, asparagus, or creamed spinach).
- Peas
- Roasted carrots
- Squash
- Pasta
- roast potatoes
- Rice
- Salad
- garlic bread
Can I reheat scallops?
It is best not to reheat them. Reheating will cause the scallop proteins to tighten which will dry out your scallop dish and make it tough and rubbery.
Where do scallops come from?
People harvest scallops from oceans all over the world. Scallop fishing typically occurs in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, USA, and Canada.
Are scallops healthy for you?
Yes, scallops are low in calories and high in protein. They also have selenium in them, which is good for your heart.
How to cook frozen scallops?
You can thaw frozen scallops before cooking them or cook them from frozen. If you choose to cook them from frozen, add a few minutes onto the required cook time in the baked scallops recipe.
Can you eat scallops raw?
While you can eat scallops raw, it is best not to do so unless you have experience in buying them fresh and preparing well. If not properly prepared, scallops can be dangerous to eat raw.
Can dogs eat scallops?
Scallops are not toxic to dogs and are actually good for them; They contain a high level of protein with lots of beneficial minerals and nutrients.