How to cook scallops perfectly every time? is a question that many people are interested in. If you’re looking answer to this question, you’re in the right place. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook scallops in 3 different ways
1. How To Cook Scallops in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Oven And Scallops
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
Creating the Coating Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Coating the Scallops
Dip each scallop into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, roll the butter-coated scallop in the panko mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere to the surface. Make sure the scallop is evenly coated then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking the Scallops
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the scallops for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops.
Garnishing and Serving
Remove the baked scallops from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the scallops for a vibrant garnish.
Serve the crispy baked scallops as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with a squeeze of lemon juice, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serve the baked scallops immediately to enjoy them at their best.
2. How To Cook Scallops on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Scallops
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Make sure to remove any excess moisture to ensure a good sear. Then season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heating the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to use a skillet that provides even heat distribution to achieve a nice sear. Next, add the butter and olive oil to the hot skillet. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly.
Searing the Scallops
Carefully add the scallops to the skillet, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows them to develop a nice crust.
Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, without moving them, until they develop a golden brown crust. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Serving the Pan-Seared Scallops
Remove the scallops from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Allow them to rest for a minute.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops to enhance their flavor. You can garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for added freshness and presentation.
Serve the pan-seared scallops immediately as an appetizer or as a main course alongside your favorite side dishes.
3. How To Cook Scallops on Grill
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
- Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Scallops
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
Skewering the Scallops
Thread the scallops onto skewers, allowing some space between each scallop. This will ensure even cooking and easy flipping on the grill.
Grilling the Scallops
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Next, brush the scallops with olive oil on both sides to prevent sticking. Then place the skewered scallops on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and have grill marks. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tenderness.
Serving the Grilled Scallops
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer the scallops to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve the grilled scallops immediately as an appetizer or as a main course with your favorite side dishes.
Note: If you prefer a stronger wine flavor in the sauce, you can increase the amount of white wine.
Now, you knew how to cook scallops in 3 different ways. I hope with the 3 scallops recipes in this article, you will successfully make this dish and have a great dinner.
