Best Way To Cook Bay Scallops Food

HOW TO COOK BAY SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Cook the rest of your meal first. Scallops cook quickly, and they're best when they're fresh out of the pan. If you're planning to serve up anything else with your scallops (such as pasta or a salad), prepare that first and have it ready to serve the moment the scallops are done. For example, if you'd like to serve these scallops over toast, toast and butter the bread before you begin cooking the scallops.
• Remove the side-muscles if necessary. If your scallops still have their fibrous muscle tags attached, pull those off with your thumb and forefinger before you start cooking them. These muscles are easy to recognize because they feel tough and firm to the touch and their fibers go against the grain of the rest of the scallop. Leaving the muscles attached won't do any harm, but they're much tougher and harder to chew than the rest of the scallop.
• Rinse the scallops thoroughly with cool water. Before you cook the scallops, it's a good idea to rinse them to remove any grit, sand, or other unwanted debris. Put them in a colander before running water over them so they can drain quickly. Draining them quickly is key, since scallops will get waterlogged and mushy if they sit in water for too long.
• Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. After the scallops have drained for a few minutes, spread them out on a flat surface covered in paper towels. Use another clean paper towel to gently pat each scallop dry. If you don't pat the scallops dry before searing them, you'll end up with tougher steamed scallops instead of tender, pan-seared ones.

SAUTEED BAY SCALLOPS WITH LEMON BUTTER

Steps:

• Choose a saute pan large enough to hold all of the scallops in one layer without overcrowding the pan or without them touching each other. Cook in batches if necessary. Heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter until nearly smoking. Add the scallops and do not move or shake pan, but allow the scallops to brown well on one side before tossing the pan to flip them or gently turning them with a spatula to cook the second side.
• Remove the scallops from the pan and place on a warm serving platter. Return the pan in which the scallops had been cooked to the fire, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sweet butter, and cook until the butter begins to turn a light brown color. When the butter has browned to a hazelnut color add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
• Pour the classic lemon butter over the scallops, garnish with heart-shaped croutons and serve promptly.

SEARED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
• Add the butter and oil to a 12 to 14-inch saute pan on high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops. 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. Serve immediately.

BAKED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Pour melted butter into a 2 quart oval casserole dish. Distribute butter and scallops evenly inside the dish.
• Combine the bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, minced garlic and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the scallops.
• Bake in pre-heated oven until scallops are firm, about 20 minutes.

BAY SCALLOPS SCAMPI

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil and half of the butter over medium-high heat until mixture starts to brown.
• MAKE SURE THE PAN AND OIL MIXTURE IS VERY HOT - Transfer half of the scallops to the skillet and cook WITHOUT MOVING until seared: ABOUT 20 - 30 SECONDS. Gently flip and sear on other side for another 20 - 30 SECONDS. Remove from skillet; add remaining scallops and butter. Cook in the same manner as the first batch.
• Once the second batch of scallops is finished cooking, return the first batch to the skillet and give a quick, gentle toss. Remove skillet from heat.
• Add the garlic, lemon juice, wine and cappers. Season with salt and pepper. Give a gentle toss and place scallops on a warmed serving platter. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
• Serve with crusty Italian or French bread for dipping in the garlic-butter sauce. This dish pairs nicely with steamed fresh asparagus or zucchini.
• COOK'S TIP: Scallops contain a lot of water that will gush out once they get hot - THEY NEED A LOT OF HEAT APPLIED QUICKLY. Never crowd the scallops when cooking, otherwise they will steam instead of sear.

BAY SCALLOPS WITH GARLIC PARSLEY BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter on one side of each piece of toasted Italian bread. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. When oil begins to smoke, pour scallops into pan. Cook for 30 seconds without stirring.
• Toss scallops in pan and stir in garlic. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir wine and lemon juice into scallops, bring to a boil, and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Stir parsley and cold butter into scallops and remove from heat. When butter melts, stir in salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Spoon scallops over buttered toast and serve immediately.

BACON-WRAPPED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• If you prefer, the bacon can be pre-cooked for a couple of minutes in the microwave to insure it will be crispy by the time the scallops are done.
• Do not overcook the scallops as they will be rubbery.
• Cut each piece of bacon in half to make 24 pieces.
• Roll a piece of bacon around each scallop and secure on wooden skewers.
• Place scallops on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Sprinkle with Old Bay and creole seasoning.
• Both seasonings contain salt, so don't overdo it!
• Amounts listed are what I used.
• Bake at 425 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until the scallops are done.
• The bacon should be crispy.
• While the scallops are cooking, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar in a saucepan to make the dipping sauce.
• Mix well and cook until the sugar is dissolved.
• Serve the scallops with the dipping sauce.