Foolproof Pan Seared Scallops (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to searing scallops? ›

Gently add the scallops to your pan (making sure there is a bit of space in between them to avoid crowding) and let them cook, completely undisturbed for at least 2 minutes over medium-high heat. The more that you move them around, the more difficult it will be to create a nice crust around the bottom.

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.

Scallops, like many other types of seafood, can have a mild fishy odor that some people find off-putting. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent.

Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a 1/4-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve immediately.

Don't overcook them. To know when they're done, look for the golden crust and opaque flesh. If you put a fork into them at this point, it should glide in. If you have large scallops, slice them in half so that you can monitor whether they are cooked properly on the inside or not.

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.

Give your scallops a quick rinse to remove any grit, then thoroughly pat dry with a few paper towels, as excess moisture will inhibit searing. For added insurance, you can dry your scallops in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.

A sprinkle of sea salt salt or kosher salt will help draw out any extra moisture lending them to a perfect sear. High Heat – Make sure your skillet or griddle is fully heated. If added too early the scallops will stick the pan. The oil should be slightly bubbling and dancing.

Remove and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Heat a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the pan is hot enough, add a large drop of water (⅛ teaspoon) to the skillet. When you can roll it around the pan, it's ready.

Milk will help tenderize these and get rid of their fishy taste and odor. It can also help get rid of extra particles of sand. To do this, rinse them with cold water and then soak them for one hour and then blot them dry as directed above. How long do you cook scallops?

Why do you have to wash scallops for 10 minutes? ›

Make sure you wash in free running water for at least 10 minutes after shucking, rinsing & trimming to ensure all toxins are effectively removed.

Besides their white appearance, wet scallops may also be resting in a milky, sticky liquid. If you're looking to sauté scallops, dry scallops are preferred because the wet ones have higher water content and won't caramelize in the same way.

Scallops are quick-cooking shellfish, so it's key not to overcook them or they'll dry out. Generally, sea scallops take between 3 and 5 minutes to cook. How to know when scallops are done cooking? They'll be golden brown on both sides, just-firm at the edges and opaque and succulent in the center.

Serving size: 2-4 scallops make a 3oz portion. The "U" stands for “under,” denoting that these are the largest scallops available, with under 8, 10, or 12 per pound.

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.

Mix bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Whisk egg lightly in a bowl. Dip scallops in egg; place in the bread crumb mixture in the bag. Seal bag and shake until scallops are coated with bread crumbs.

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.