How to Cook Scallops

Scallops are a superb choice for many seafood dishes. They are widely used in many different cultures and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Scallops unlike most other shellfish contain two different kinds of meat in the one shell. The two kinds of meat in the shell of a scallop are the abductor muscle or scallop which is white and the roe or coral which is sometimes reddish or off-white. The abductor muscle is the most commonly used form because it is fleshier than the roe and is therefore  considered tastier. Scallops can be bought fresh or frozen, though many people prefer to acquire fresh scallops that are still in the shell. The instructions that will follow will highlight methods to prepare both frozen and fresh scallops.

Required Ingredients

• Scallops (frozen/in the shell)
• Prefered seasonings
• ½ stick of Butter
• ¼ cup Lemon juice

Required Utensils

• A regular frying pan/ A skillet
• A knife for removing the meat from the shell
• A spatula or spoon to stir the scallops

Instructions for cooking fresh scallops

1. If the scallops are fresh and still within the shell it will have to be removed before cooking begins. Place the shells on a clean surface with the flat part of the shell facing up. Move the knife along the edges of the shell and pry it open. Remove the meat of choice or both kinds discarding everything else.
2. Cut the scallops in half once they have been removed from the shell.
3. Rinse the scallops in water.
4. Once the scallop has been taken out of the shell it most be cooked to avoid spoilage.
5. Preheat the frying pan and melt the stick of butter in it.
6. Add the scallops to the heated butter along with choice seasonings for added taste.
7. Sear the meat sufficiently and use the spatula or spoon to ensure even cooking. Cook the meat for no longer than ten minutes.
8. Once the scallops are cooked remove them from the pan and serve as desired.

Instructions for cooking frozen scallops

When cooking frozen scallops the preparation time is cut in half. The scallops are ready to cook once they leave the freezer. Do not thaw as this will make the scallops squishy to the touch when cooked.

1. Place ½ stick of butter in a heated skillet and allow to melt.
2. Add the lemon juice and let it boil slowly.
3. Once the lemon juice and butter mixture has been sufficiently heated add the scallops and let simmer.
4. Stir the scallops at regular intervals to allow even cooking.
5. Remove the pan from the burner once they begin to curl along the edges.
6. Allow the scallops to sit in the pan for a few moments, then serve as soon as possible.

Tips and Warnings

1. Fresh scallops must be cooked once they have been removed from their shells; scallops spoil fairly easily.
2. Frozen scallops are best served in a sauce to improve the overall texture and flavour of the scallops.
3. Do not soak scallops in water as this will lessen the natural flavour of the scallops.

For more information on How to Cook Scallops read:

How to Cook Scallops

How to Cook Scallops