Pan Seared Scallops – Barefeet within the Kitchen

Elegant sufficient for a flowery event and quick sufficient to serve any evening of the week, this scallop recipe would possibly turn into your new favourite technique to eat seafood.

Restaurant high quality scallops are simpler to make at residence than you ever thought! Every chunk of those scallops has a light-weight and almost-sweet taste, highlighted by the caramelized crust on the skin.

Pan Seared Scallops

Much like an oyster or a clam however much more tender with a touch of candy taste, contemporary scallops are irresistible when cooked the fitting manner. Pan searing is by far my favourite technique to take pleasure in scallops.

For years, I solely ate scallops at eating places. Since scallops are extra expensive than shrimp and most different seafood I cook dinner, I used to be nervous about losing my funding by cooking them poorly at residence.

After I lastly put aside my worry, I couldn’t consider how straightforward and fast it was to cook dinner seared scallops! My complete household loves scallops now.

Whether or not you take pleasure in indulging in scallops whenever you go to a restaurant otherwise you’ve by no means tried them earlier than, I do know you’re going to like this straightforward recipe.

A restaurant-quality meal made proper in your individual kitchen. Served for a romantic date evening or a household meal, these seared scallops are positive to impress!

How one can Clear Scallops

Nowhere close to as finicky as lobster or crab, scallops are straightforward sufficient for even a newbie cook dinner. You may even get them ready and able to cook dinner at any grocery retailer with a seafood counter.

I really like that there’s no de-tailing or bone removing concerned and just about no prep time. The one prep for the scallops is definitely elective. Examine over the scallops as you’re dealing with them and take away the little side-muscle in case you discover any nonetheless hooked up.

This muscle seems like slightly tag of tissue on the aspect of the scallop. It feels harder than the remainder of the scallop and shall be a bit robust and chewy when cooked. It’s simply nice in case you depart it on (and typically it’s already been eliminated), some individuals are bothered by it and lots of others usually are not.

Simply rinse the scallops below cool operating water and pat them dry. I place them on a paper towel-lined plate or small sheet pan after rinsing them after which use one other paper towel to ensure they’re utterly dry.

As soon as the scallops are dry and season with slightly salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil right into a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high warmth and add the scallops.

How one can Pan Sear Scallops

Let the scallops cook dinner within the oil on the primary aspect for a few minutes till evenly browned. They may cook dinner shortly, inside a few minutes, so don’t stroll away from the pan!

Take away from the pan and serve instantly. Seared and served contemporary, scallops are by no means fishy or robust. You’ll love the caramelized crust and lightweight buttery style!

How one can Select Scallops

Search for the freshest caught scallops you could find! They need to be spherical, plump, and about 2-inches in diameter with a creamy white shade (not yellow).

For this recipe, “dry” scallops work finest, versus “moist” varieties which might be packed in a salty brine as a preservative.

Whereas contemporary is most popular, you’ll be able to definitely make this recipe with frozen scallops. Simply allow them to thaw absolutely within the fridge and dry nicely earlier than searing.

How one can Cook dinner Scallops

The thought behind searing scallops is that they cook dinner shortly leading to a evenly crisped crust and a flaky melt-in-your-mouth inside. You need to cook dinner them quick at a excessive warmth.

After I make scallops, I cook dinner them for almost two minutes on either side. The precise time will rely upon the warmth of your pan and the dimensions of your scallops.

Not sure when it’s time to flip the scallops? They’re prepared to show after they launch from the pan and are evenly browned or after they turn into considerably agency to the contact. In case your finger is sinking into the scallop whenever you gently poke it, they want a bit extra time.

Watch out to not cook dinner the scallops for too lengthy! When overcooked, scallops turn into rubbery and difficult with little taste. Nobody desires that.

Whereas extra delicate than shrimp and salmon (the 2 seafood dishes I make most frequently), I’ve been pleasantly shocked by how straightforward it’s to cook dinner scallops so long as I stored an eye fixed on the time.

Scallops have turn into a brand new favourite for a pleasant dinner at residence over the previous 12 months. My youngsters completely love them too.

Are you able to cook dinner scallops forward of time?

Seared scallops needs to be served instantly for finest taste. Whilst you can completely retailer leftovers within the fridge and reheat gently within the microwave, they received’t be as beautiful as when first cooked.

Fortunately, they’re fast as lightning to cook dinner so you’ll be able to have contemporary seared scallops on the desk in much less time than it takes to make nearly every other protein.

Wait to cook dinner the scallops as the very last thing you do earlier than serving the meal. Put together every part else first, in order that the scallops will be served instantly after cooking, whereas they’re at their finest.

Serve these scallops with a aspect of Italian Herb Rice, Lemon Butter Pasta, or Rice Pilaf and a inexperienced salad. Or serve scallops with Lemon Butter Pasta and this Peach Caprese Salad. Attempt Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer for a meal that may have everybody smiling.

On the lookout for extra easy seafood recipes to make dinnertime a breeze? Children and adults alike love the Smoked Salmon Pasta with Pine Nuts and this Chipotle Lime Salmon.

{initially printed 2/10/21 – recipe notes and images up to date 11/13/24}