Perfectly Seared Scallops Recipe - Baker by Nature (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to sear or bake scallops? ›

Because sea scallops have a chewier texture, searing them in a hot skillet is the simplest, most effective cooking method to achieving a crisp exterior and tender, just-firm texture within. Basting the scallops with butter helps finish cooking them and enhances browning, too.

Eliminates Mild Fish Odor From Your Scallop

Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent. The milk helps to reduce the intensity of the fish odor, making the scallops more pleasant to cook and easier to consume.

Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

What type of oil should you use to cook scallops? A light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil will begin to smoke immediately over high heat. Instead, reach for grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

Some cooks will toss their scallops in a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before cooking. This is simply to add a little bit more crustiness to the exterior. It is not a necessary step, but some prefer to do this. You could try a few scallops dredged in a light coating and leave a few alone to see which you prefer.

It is not necessary to wash scallops before cooking. Washing or soaking scallops in water will cause the scallop to absorb water. This will make it harder for the scallop to sear and caramelize and can create excess seepage water in the pan, which negatively affects the dish.

Then, I recommend soaking the scallops in milk for an hour.

It removes the “fishy” odor and taste. Some fish, like salmon, only takes 20 minutes. Make sure you discard the milk.

Do You Wash Scallops? Once a scallop is shucked, it requires only a good rinse with cool water. Be sure to remove the little side muscle, an oblong flap of tissue that's easily cut or pulled away. Pat the scallops dry before cooking.

Never thaw scallops at room temperature. Rinse and pat dry. Rinse the scallops, then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. If scallops have too much moisture on the outside, they won't brown properly.

For more even-cooking, and for that center to cook more quickly, take the scallops out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Don't put them in the sun or in a warm place. Just room temperature.

Should scallops be at room temperature before frying? ›

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture. 2. Sprinkle scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

Make sure your pan is fully heated and then pour in the oil. Once you notice the oil bubbling or shimmering slightly, it's time to put your scallops in. Don't Overcrowd Your Scallops: Scallops need enough space for them to cook thoroughly. Make sure they're not touching and cook them in batches if need be.

Add the butter and olive oil to a large non-stick saute pan over high heat. Once it's smoking, add the scallops. Don't crowd the pan and work in two batches if necessary. Sear the scallops for 2 minutes on each side, until the sides are golden and the centers are translucent.

Finally, as hinted above, searing scallops is about high heat. You'll want to heat your pan to around 450°F (232°C) or higher before you add your scallops. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, adding the oil at the beginning of the heating.