Perfectly Seared Scallops Recipe - Baker by Nature (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect scallops? ›

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.

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.

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.

Use High Heat: The best pan seared scallops are cooked under high heat. Make sure your pan is fully heated and then pour in the oil. Once you notice the oil bubbling or shimmering slightly, it's time to put your scallops in. Don't Overcrowd Your Scallops: Scallops need enough space for them to cook thoroughly.

A cast iron skillet is perfect for pan-searing scallops since the cast iron holds heat so well. Avoid a non-stick pan, which will prevent the scallops from browning. For the perfect sear, get the pan nice and hot. I prefer using oil to sear the scallops and butter to finish, which adds great flavor.

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.

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.

Because sea scallops have a chewier texture, searing them in a hot skillet is the simplest, most effective cooking method to achieving a crisp exterior and tender, just-firm texture within. Basting the scallops with butter helps finish cooking them and enhances browning, too.

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.

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.

Do you cook scallops on high or low heat? ›

After searing a few batches, we determined that scallops are perfectly cooked when their centers reach 115 degrees. Because scallops are so small and are usually cooked over high heat, carryover cooking will add another 10 to 15 degrees, for an ideal final temperature of 125 to 130 degrees.

Brine Your Scallops

This is an extremely simple trick that will give your scallops both better flavor and sear. Just let your scallops sit in a solution of salt water for ten minutes. You can also add a little lemon juice for more flavor. After that, simply take them out, pat the scallops dry, then pan-sear them.

Unlike other fancy restaurant dishes, seared scallops are really easy to prepare, requiring very minimal ingredients & equipment. You will need… A skillet – Any nonstick or stainless steel skillet works beautifully for pan seared scallops.

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.

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.

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.