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Food & Ingredients

Scallops

Picture delicate, buttery morsels melting in your mouth, releasing a symphony of sweet and briny flavors. This is the allure of scallops, the jewel-like bivalves that grace tables around the world.

Tom Tom Founder
Published:
May 17, 2024

Intro

Join us on a culinary voyage as we explore the enchanting world of scallops. From the plump and tender sea scallops to the petite and delicate bay scallops, each variety offers a unique flavor profile and culinary potential. Discover the secrets to selecting, preparing, and savoring these oceanic treasures, and learn how to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

The Most Popular Kinds of Scallops

Sea Scallops

  • Size & Texture: Largest of the common scallops, boasting a firm, meaty texture that holds up well to grilling and searing.
  • Flavor: Sweet and buttery, making them a versatile choice for both simple and complex dishes.
  • Common Uses: Ideal for searing, grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Their size makes them perfect for showcasing as a main course.
  • Fun Fact: Often categorized by size (e.g., U10, U15/20) indicating the number of scallops per pound – smaller numbers mean larger scallops!
  • Read more here.

Bay Scallops

  • Size & Texture: Petite and tender, with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Flavor: Sweeter and milder than sea scallops, with a subtle briny undertone.
  • Common Uses: Best suited for quick cooking methods like sautéing, steaming, or incorporating into chowders and pasta dishes.
  • Fun Fact: Bay scallops are harvested from shallower waters than sea scallops, contributing to their delicate nature.
  • Read more here.

Calico Scallops

  • Size & Texture: Tiny and tender, with a slightly firmer texture than bay scallops.
  • Flavor: More pronounced briny flavor compared to other scallops.
  • Common Uses: Often used in chowders, seafood stews, or as a flavorful garnish.
  • Fun Fact: Typically sold already shucked, making them a convenient option for adding a burst of flavor to dishes.
  • Read more here.

Diver Scallops

  • Sustainability: Harvested by hand by divers, making them a more sustainable seafood choice.
  • Flavor & Texture: Prized for their exceptional sweetness, tenderness, and slightly firmer texture.
  • Common Uses: Best enjoyed seared, grilled, or raw to fully appreciate their delicate flavor.
  • Fun Fact: Due to their harvesting method, diver scallops are often considered to have superior quality compared to dredged scallops.
  • Read more here.

Japanese Hotate Scallops

  • Size: Large and meaty, similar to sea scallops.
  • Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and delicate, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Common Uses: Popular in Japanese cuisine, often served as sashimi, sushi, or grilled.
  • Fun Fact: Hotate scallops are highly prized in Japan and are often considered a luxurious ingredient.
  • Read more here.

King Scallops

  • Size & Texture: Large scallops with a firm, meaty texture similar to sea scallops.
  • Flavor: Slightly sweeter than sea scallops, with a rich and buttery flavor.
  • Common Uses: Best suited for searing, grilling, or baking.
  • Fun Fact: King scallops are primarily found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic.
  • Read more here.

Tips 

  • Pat Dry: Always pat scallops dry with paper towels before cooking. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a perfect sear and preventing them from steaming instead of browning.
  • High Heat is Key: Use a hot pan or grill for cooking scallops. This creates a beautiful golden crust on the outside while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give scallops ample space in the pan to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
  • Cook Quickly: Scallops cook rapidly, so be mindful not to overcook them. They are done when they turn opaque and are firm to the touch, usually within 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Simple Seasoning: Scallops have a delicate flavor, so keep the seasoning simple. Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil are often all that’s needed.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let scallops rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Health Benefits

Scallops are not only a culinary delight but also a nutritional powerhouse. They offer a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Rich in Lean Protein: Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and promoting satiety.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These heart-healthy fats help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • B Vitamins: Scallops are packed with B vitamins, including B12, which is vital for nerve function, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
  • Minerals: They are also a good source of essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, which contribute to bone health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.
  • Low in Calories and Fat: Scallops are a relatively low-calorie and low-fat food, making them a healthy choice for weight management and overall wellness.

Scallops, with their delicate sweetness, tender texture, and numerous health benefits, are a true culinary gem. Whether you’re indulging in a simple seared scallop appetizer or incorporating them into a decadent seafood feast, scallops offer an exquisite dining experience that will leave you wanting more.

About the Author:
TomFounder
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  • Location: Iowa, USA
  • Member since: 2023-02-02
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