Perfectly Seared Scallops Recipe - Baker by Nature (2024)

FAQs

Perfectly Seared Scallops Recipe - Baker by Nature? ›

Add the butter and oil to a large saute pan over high heat. Generously salt and pepper the scallops. Once the butter/oil combo begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching. Sear scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side - not touching them at all while they're searing.

You want a hot skillet when pan-searing scallops.

If you pat the scallops dry, dust them with flour, and use a hot pan, you will guarantee a beautiful golden brown sear.

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.

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.

Although not necessary but preferred, let your scallops rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Don't use olive oil to sear your scallops! I recommend butter as the best option, but you can also use vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. The cooking times above are for sea scallops, not diver or bay scallops.

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.

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.

Scallops are cooked when they are firm, nicely browned and opaque all the way through. If the reason you end up overcooking scallops is because you're waiting for them to get nicely browned, make sure to pat the scallops dry, do not overcrowd the pan, and cook them for only 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat.

Generally, the best way to cook scallops is searing them. Seared scallops are cooked on the stovetop, usually in a cast iron skillet to get an excellent sear, using butter or oil to get them nice and crispy. The result is a crisp, golden brown exterior with a delicate balance of savory, tender scallops inside.

Should scallops be room temperature before cooking? ›

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture.

If they overcook, they become rubbery and chewy, in contrast with the tender, almost silky feel they get when they are done right. Scallops are professional-looking food that you can absolutely master at home, and they literally just take minutes to cook.

If you purchase larger scallops, opt for the lower end of the per-person count. How many scallops per person: To feed 2 people: 6–8 scallops, about ⅓ pound. To feed 6 people: 18–24 scallops, about 1 pound.

Dry the Scallops

Before you're ready to start cooking, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Expelling as much moisture as possible will help to create that signature, golden-brown crust on the outside.

Pull temps for scallops

The second side of the scallops will continue to sear, but you should focus on getting the right internal temperature that will be tender, not rubbery to the bite. The critical pull temperature you're going for in when searing scallops is 115°F (46°C).

If you're not sure if the scallops are done, slice one in half to check: The flesh near the top and bottom edges should look opaque, but there should still be a faintly translucent strip in the middle. Remove the seared scallops from the pan and set them on your serving plate.

A double-dredge simply means that you toss your scallops (or chicken or whatever you're coating) in the same coating mixture twice, with a dunk in beaten eggs between. This process builds up a thicker coating and helps the crust adhere to the scallop better. And with just two bowls, it's less messy.