Seared Sea Scallops
I was in the mood for seafood so I went to my local grocery store to see what looked good. I saw huge sea scallops and decided to make seared sea scallops. I was looking online for recipe ideas and realized I bought “wet” scallops instead of “dry” scallops. Scallops are sold either “wet” or “dry.” “Wet” scallops are treated with phosphates, which causes them to absorb water. This extra water makes them heavier and more expensive. “Dry,” natural scallops that have not been treated with chemicals. So, learn from my mistake, and buy “dry” scallops, if possible. Luckily, I found a simple solution on America’s Test Kitchen. I soaked the scallops in a water/lemon juice/salt brine for 30 minutes to help rinse the phosphates out. I rinsed the scallops and sandwiched them between towels to soak up the excess liquid. I seasoned them with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper before searing them in a little butter. They turned out great. My daughter didn’t like the scallops which surprised me because she loves sushi. My son said they were good until the next day when he told me that he didn’t like them. Thankfully, my husband and I both thought they were delicious and thought they paired nicely with Caramelized Onion Orzo and a Spinach, Tomato, and Bacon Sauté.
Seared Sea Scallops
Brine:
- 1 quart 4 cups cold water
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 2 tbsp table salt
Scallops:
- 15 sea scallops
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp butter. to taste
How to Make Seared Sea Scallops
If you can only find “wet” scallops, soak them in a solution of 1 quart cold water, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons table salt for 30 minutes. Remove the small side muscle from the scallops. Place a towel (or a few paper towels) down on a large plate. Place the scallops on the towel then cover with an additional towel (or paper towels). Press gently to remove excess water.
Add the butter to a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Season both sides of the scallops with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Once the pan is hot, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2- 2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve IMMEDIATELY. Enjoy.
Equipment
Ingredients
Brine:
- 1 quart 4 cups cold water
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 2 tbsp table salt
Scallops:
- 15 sea scallops
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp butter. to taste
Instructions
- If you can only find “wet” scallops, soak them in a solution of 1 quart cold water, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons table salt for 30 minutes.
- Remove the small side muscle from the scallops. Place a towel (or a few paper towels) down on a large plate. Place the scallops on the towel then cover with an additional towel (or paper towels). Press gently to remove excess water.
- Add the butter to a large saute pan or cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Season both sides of the scallops with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
- Once the pan is hot, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2-2 minutes on each side.
- The scallops should have a golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve IMMEDIATELY. Enjoy.
You got a great sear on your scallops. They are very impressive. Thanks for the tip to rinse the phosphates out of wet scallops. We always buy dry scallops, except when we’re stuck with only one choice, the wet ones and still want s callops. I’ve saved it as I know your tip will come in handy.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sam
I Pam,
I love scallops and just bought some for tomorrows lunch :)))!
Cheers and hope you have a fabulous weekend,
Lia.
Those scallops look perfect! I had no idea there was a difference, although, I’ll admit, I don’t buy them out here.. it’s hard to get “fresh” scallops in the desert 🙂
They look perfect Pam and good tip on the wet scallops – I didn’t realize they were chemically treated. I’m with you on the seasoning – butter, S&P is all they need.
These look so fresh, succulent and wonderfully delicious, Pam.
How interesting about wet scallops and dry scallops! These look so plump and juicy, even when cooked! Delicious!
I love that via the internet we can solve so many problems. It’s great to know what to do with wet scallops. Your finished scallops look beautiful so the trick definitely worked!
Look at those beautifully seared scallops. And thanks for the wet scallop tip. Never knew that.
They look perfect
Scallops here are so insanely expensive that I rarely buy them, unless baby bay scallops are on sale. Yours look really good! Too bad the kids didn’t like them; they’ll just have to have leftovers the next time you want scallops.
I like scallops but have never made them. Thanks for the info on wet and dry scallops!
They look absolutely delicious!
These look so good and oh how I love scallops!
Wow I had no idea what the difference between wet and dry scallops was.
Well at least the kiddos gave them a try!! Can’t win em over every time.
I love that tip on de-phosphating the scallops, I did not know that.
Scallops in brine…love them. Look perfect!
scallops are one of our fave sea food items! the best part is that you don’t have to add a lot of anything to them to make taste good!
scallops are the one seafood-y item i actually enjoy, but i’ve only ever gotten them at restaurants. guess i should learn to make them for myself, eh?
i never knew about the wet/dry scallops… thanks good to know..