Pan Seared Scallops – Barefeet in 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 strategy to eat seafood.

Restaurant high quality scallops are simpler to make at dwelling than you ever thought! Every chunk of those scallops has a lightweight 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 suitable manner. Pan searing is by far my favourite strategy to get pleasure from scallops.

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

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

Whether or not you get pleasure from indulging in scallops once 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 personal kitchen. Served for a romantic date evening or a household meal, these seared scallops are certain to impress!

Methods to Clear Scallops

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

I like that there’s no de-tailing or bone removing concerned and nearly no prep time. The one prep for the scallops is definitely optionally available. Verify over the scallops as you’re dealing with them and take away the little side-muscle for those who discover any nonetheless connected.

This muscle seems like somewhat tag of tissue on the aspect of the scallop. It feels harder than the remainder of the scallop and might be a bit robust and chewy when cooked. It’s simply high quality for those who go away it on (and typically it’s already been eliminated), some individuals are bothered by it and lots of others are usually 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 verify they’re utterly dry.

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

Methods to Pan Sear Scallops

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

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

Methods to Select Scallops

Search for the freshest caught scallops you will discover! 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 greatest, versus “moist” varieties which are packed in a salty brine as a preservative.

Whereas contemporary is most well-liked, you possibly can actually make this recipe with frozen scallops. Simply allow them to thaw absolutely within the fridge and dry nicely earlier than searing.

Methods to Prepare dinner Scallops

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

After I make scallops, I prepare dinner them for nearly two minutes on all sides. The precise time will depend 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 once they launch from the pan and are evenly browned or once they turn into considerably agency to the contact. In case your finger is sinking into the scallop once you gently poke it, they want a bit extra time.

Watch out to not prepare 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 stunned by how straightforward it’s to prepare 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 dwelling over the previous 12 months. My children completely love them too.

Are you able to prepare dinner scallops forward of time?

Seared scallops must be served straight away for greatest taste. When 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 prepare dinner so you possibly can have contemporary seared scallops on the desk in much less time than it takes to make nearly every other protein.

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

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. Strive Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer for a meal that can have everybody smiling.

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

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