If you’re like me, you love seafood but are often intimidated by cooking it. Fresh scallops can be a great gateway seafood to conquering your fears because they’re easy to work with and quick to cook.
I’m going to share three ways you can cook fresh scallops to get started. Whether you want something simple and straightforward or want to try a few more adventurous methods, I’ve got you covered. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Benefits of Eating Scallops
Scallops are a type of shellfish that is low in calories and fat but high in protein. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, and magnesium.
Scallops are often considered a healthy food choice and have been linked with several health benefits. For example, eating scallops has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.
Scallops are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. Some research has even suggested that eating scallops may help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Harvesting
If you’re lucky enough to live in Homosassa, Florida, you can harvest your own scallops from the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to go scalloping is from July to September when the water is warm, and the scallops are plentiful.
To harvest scallops, simply free dive down to the sea floor and collect them by hand. You can also use a small net to help gather them up. Store in a cooler until ready to cook.
Cooking Scallops
Scallops are a type of shellfish that is popular in many cuisines. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, but some of the most common methods are pan searing, baking, and grilling.
Pan searing is a quick and easy way to cook scallops, and it allows them to retain their moisture. Baking scallops is a bit more time-consuming, but it can result in a more tender and flavorful dish. Grilling scallops is a great option for summertime cooking and imparts a smoky flavor to the seafood.
No matter how you choose to cook them, scallops are a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
Pan-Searing
To do this, you’ll want to start by heating a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then, season your scallops with salt and pepper (I like to use a bit of garlic powder, too) and place them in the hot skillet.
Cook for about two minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
This method is quick and easy, resulting in slightly crisp scallops on the outside while remaining nice and tender on the inside.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your scallops on a lightly oiled baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Bake for about six to eight minutes, or until they’re cooked through. This method is a bit longer than pan-searing, but it’s still fairly straightforward.
It’s a good option if you’re cooking for a larger group since you can cook all the scallops at once in the oven.
Grilling
To grill scallops, you’ll first want to skewer them (if they’re large, cut them in half first).
Then, heat up your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Season your scallops with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill.
Cook for two to three minutes per side, or until they’re slightly charred and cooked through.
This is a great option for summertime cooking since it doesn’t heat up your kitchen like the oven does.
No matter which method you choose, cooked scallops are best served immediately. Serve them on their own or with your favorite sides. I hope this gives you the confidence to try cooking scallops at home. Enjoy!
