What Are Scallops?

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Scallops are a type of seafood known as a bivalve mollusk and are considered a delicacy because of their high price. Like clams, mussels, and oysters, scallops have an inedible outer shell that protects the delicate creature inside the shell.

The edible part of the mollusk is the whitish-pink, fleshy interior adductor muscle that’s responsible for opening and closing the shell.

Some scallops come from the shallow waters of bays and estuaries, while others come from the sea. Most of these mollusks are available year-round, but the peak harvesting season is towards the end of fall and throughout winter.

The meat is sold as either dry-packed or wet-packed. Wet-packed scallops have been soaked in brine to plump them up and they shrivel when cooked. Dry-packed scallops have no added brine and are pure scallop meat.

What Do Scallops Look Like?

Scallops have a round, fan-shaped creamy-pink shell that opens and closes. The creatures swim rapidly by opening and closing their shells. Multiple tiny blue eyes along the rim of the shell allow the scallop to detect light and dark.

Varieties of Scallops

Bay scallops come from shallow bays and estuaries and are commonly found in the reeds of East Coast waters. Sea scallops are native to the cold waters of the northwest Atlantic Ocean and are also found in deep-sea waters in other parts of the world. Bay scallops measure ½ inch across — one-quarter the size of sea scallops — and are more tender than sea scallops.

Diver scallops are sea scallops that are caught by scallop divers instead of by special machinery that dredges the ocean floor. Diver scallops are more expensive because they’re hand-fished, a process that’s more environmentally friendly than machine fishing.

What Do Scallops Taste Like?

Scallops have succulent, tender flesh with a sweet-and-salty flavor and a buttery, delicate texture. This seafood has a similar taste to other seafood like crab and lobster.

In America, only the outer adductor muscle is eaten, and the roe, or interior coral, is discarded. In certain parts of the world, like Britain, the roe is considered a delicacy.

How to Cook Scallops

Scallops are delicious when cooked properly, and while both sea and bay varieties can be skewered and cooked on the grill, certain cooking methods are more specialized for each variety.

Prepare fresh scallops by removing the scallop shells and the roe, and rinsing the scallops in cold water. Dry the scallops by patting them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Handle the meat gently because scallops are soft and can easily be damaged.

The best way to cook sea scallops is by searing just a few at a time in a hot pan with minimal added fat. Searing sea scallops preserves their naturally sweet flavor, so not much seasoning or flavoring needs to be added.

Bay scallops, because of their soft texture, are best sautéed, broiled, or poached.

Scallop Recipes

There are many scrumptious ways to cook and serve scallops. This meat goes well in pasta dishes and with rice. Here are two easy recipe suggestions, both of which can be paired with rice or pasta.

FAQs About Scallops

Here are the answers to some common questions asked about scallops:

Are Scallops Shellfish?

Yes, scallops are shellfish. The edible part of the scallop is the soft, tender flesh that’s encased within a hard, inedible shell. This hard outer shell must be opened, or shucked, to get to the edible meat within.

How to Clean Scallops

Clean scallops that are still in their shells by shucking the scallops. If you by scallops that haven’t been cleaned, pry the two sides of the shell open with a knife. Carefully separate the adductor muscle — the edible part of the scallop — from the frill and the roe, which should be discarded. Rinse the scallop in cold water to remove all traces of sand and pat the scallop dry with a paper towel.

How to Thaw Frozen Scallops

The best way to thaw frozen scallops is in the fridge overnight. Remove the scallops from the package and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place the scallops in the fridge to thaw overnight.

Frozen scallops can also be thawed in a strainer and run under cold water. Hold the scallops under the stream of water for a few minutes until they have defrosted. Dry the scallops well after thawing them to keep them from becoming soft and mushy.

Scallops can be thawed in the microwave on 30% power, but this method isn’t ideal because the scallops start to cook if left in the microwave for too long.

Can You Eat Scallops Raw?

Yes, you can eat scallops raw, and many people consider raw scallops even more delectable than cooked scallops. However, there is always a risk of food poisoning from eating raw seafood. Raw scallops should be cleaned meticulously and eaten immediately to minimize the risk of contamination from possible bacterial growth.

Are Scallops Healthy?

Yes, scallops are considered healthy. Scallops are a low-fat source of protein and are considered healthy seafood. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin B-12, scallops promote heart health and help to keep blood pressure under control.