Scallops are one of the most popular seafood dishes around the world. They’re also some of the easiest to cook and prepare, making them a trendy food item with restaurant chefs and home cooks alike. However, many people aren’t entirely sure what scallops are or how they’re prepared. Here’s everything you need to know about scallops, including where they come from, what they taste, and how they can be cooked and served at home.
History of the Sea Scallop
Sea scallops are bivalve mollusks that live in the ocean. They swim by flapping their two pairs of asymmetrical, feathery projections called ctenidia. These delicate filaments filter plankton and other microorganisms from the water. They need seagrass meadows and clean water full of phytoplankton and zooplankton (tiny shrimp-like organisms) to survive. Sea scallop fisheries use dredges to capture this shellfish on the sea floor. The dredge is dragged along the bottom of the seabed, scooping up clams, worms, and other creatures in its path.
How to Cook Sea Scallops?
Sea scallops have a mild, sweet flavour and tender texture. They can be prepared by baking, broiling, or sautéing. Baking is the easiest way to cook scallops because it requires little preparation or cleanup.
Scrub scallops with a stiff brush under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the scallops on a greased cookie sheet, so they’re not touching each other, and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Scallops are a seafood delicacy that is low in calories and fat. A 3.5-oz serving of scallop provides just 145 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat. This protein is excellent for your muscles because it contains all nine essential amino acids. The primary sources of fat in them come from omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit your cardiovascular system by reducing the risk of blood clotting and lowering cholesterol levels. Omega-3s also help improve brain development and boost moods, making them essential for pregnant women or those suffering from depression.
Cooking Tips
Scallops have a mild taste and a light, tender texture, making them an easy seafood choice. They’re also delicious when cooked in butter. To cook scallops, stir them in hot oil or butter on both sides until golden brown. You can also bake them by arranging them on a baking sheet in a single layer with some of the butter or olive oil drizzled over the top. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until they’re cooked through.
