Bay scallops are a type of shellfish that can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. They are popular among seafood lovers and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Below, we’ll discuss how to properly clean scallops, popular cooking methods, and a favorite recipe. Read on for everything you need to know about prepping and cooking these delicious morsels of the sea!
Cleaning Bay Scallops
Before cooking bay scallops, start with these seven steps to make sure your scallops are adequately cleaned.
- It’s important to store scallops on ice before cleaning them. Ice will keep them fresh, prevent them from spoiling, and make them easier to open.
- Pry open the shell by inserting a knife or spoon between the two halves of the shell.
- Use a paring knife or spoon to remove the dark parts of the inside of the shell. In other words, remove everything but the white muscle (meat).
- After you have removed all of the innards, detach the muscle from the shell. Once again, a spoon or paring knife should do the trick.
- Thoroughly rinse the scallop under cold water, rubbing it clean with your fingers. Spend enough time to make sure things look and feel as clean as possible.
- During the rinse step, use your fingers to detect any remaining “side muscle.” You can usually detect side muscle because it is harder than the softer main scallop body. If you fail to remove the side muscle, you may end up with tougher pieces of meat once cooked.
- Perform one final, thorough rinse before cooking.
Cooking Bay Scallops
Bay scallops can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be pan-fried, sautéed, baked, or even grilled.
One of our favorite ways to cook bay scallops is to pan-fry them. Check out one of our favorite recipes below.
Bay Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to cook bay scallops. This recipe is perfect for serving scallops as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients:
- Bay scallops, cleaned (see above for instructions)
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
To make the lemon butter sauce, simply combine lemon juice, butter, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well combined.
To cook the scallops, heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the scallops to the pan and cook them for two to three minutes per side or until golden brown.
To serve, place the cooked scallops on a plate and drizzle with the lemon butter sauce. Enjoy!
Book a Florida Scalloping Trip
Visit the beautiful waters of Florida and go scalloping with us! Our experienced captain will take you to the best spots so you can collect all the scallops you want. We provide everything you need – from the boat to the gear – so all you have to do is show up and have fun.
Our trips are a perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors with your friends or family and enjoy some of the most amazing scenery in Florida. Scalloping trips with us are suitable for everyone, regardless of experience level, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to harvest some fantastic, fresh seafood.
Book your trip today, and let us treat you to an unforgettable experience on the water!
