Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking?

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.

What is the best cooking method for scallops?

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.

Should you rinse scallops before cooking?

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.

Why do you have to wash scallops for 10 minutes?

Make sure you wash in free running water for at least 10 minutes after shucking, rinsing & trimming to ensure all toxins are effectively removed.

What is the best oil to saute scallops in?

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 .

Should scallops be at room temp before searing?

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture . 2. Sprinkle scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

Are scallops better grilled or sauteed?

Pan seared scallops are largely heralded as the best way to cook scallops . This method of cooking scallops features a skillet with some butter or oil over medium high heat.

Should I flour scallops before searing?

Some cooks will toss their scallops in a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before cooking . This is simply to add a little bit more crustiness to the exterior. It is not a necessary step, but some prefer to do this. You could try a few scallops dredged in a light coating and leave a few alone to see which you prefer.

How to tell if scallops are done?

Scallops are done when they are opaque in the center and golden brown on the outside. They should be firm but buttery, not at all difficult to cut or chew through (via The Kitchn). Scallops only take a few minutes to sear, meaning that they can become overcooked very quickly.

What are the cons of eating scallops?

In high amounts, the purine can also cause gout . Researchers have found some heavy metals in samples of scallop, like mercury, lead, and cadmium. While the levels are below what's considered dangerous for human consumption, high amounts can lead to health problems, including cancer.

Should you rinse fish after soaking in milk?

Online research had recommended letting the fish soak submerged in milk for around 20 minutes, before rinsing and cooking in your preferred fashion.

How do you get moisture out of wet scallops?

Dry the Scallops This can be done by generously salting them and then letting them sit on a paper towel-lined plate, uncovered in your fridge from 10 minutes to overnight (the longer they sit, the more moisture will be released). This not only seasons them, but will draw out a ton of surface moisture.

How to make scallops taste less fishy?

Though it may sound like an odd pairing at first, milk can help you get the best results from your scallops . According to Livestrong.com, the milk will neutralize any fishy notes and aromas while also making the flesh more tender.

Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe (2024)

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These simple Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops are pan-seared and seasoned to perfection. Serve by themselves or over freshly cooked pasta for an elegant, yet quick meal.

I love to pair this delicious dish with my Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, Honey Roasted Carrots or Sautéed Zucchini.

I’m partnering with Land O’Lakes again to share this incredible garlic butter Scallops recipe featuring their Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt.

Seafood is always a super quick protein to prepare, and these gorgeous scallops are no different.

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

I’m using wild-caught sea scallops so they are nice and large in size. Bay scallops are going to be quite a bit smaller, and better reserved for stews and casseroles. Sea scallops make a great main dish because they’re nice and plump.

Ingredients Needed For Seared Scallops

Here’s a basic list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these buttery garlic scallops. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

Sea Scallops – make sure to pat dry with paper towels
Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
Garlic
Lemon Juice
Parsley

This recipe is so simple, yet packs so much flavor!

The easy-to-use Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt is always within reach in my fridge. We use this tasty, 3 ingredient butter spread on the daily. My favorite part about Land O’Lakes is they’re a dairy cooperative, using milk from hard-working farmer-owners. It translates into quality dairy products you can taste.

How To Make Garlic Butter Scallops

Pull out that heavy-bottomed skillet, cause we’re searing these sea scallops to give them a nice golden crust and tender, juicy insides.

PAT DRY WITH PAPER TOWELS Give the scallops a nice pat with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
SEAR IN HOT SKILLET Sear the scallops in olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re browned on each side (about 2 to 3 minutes).
MAKE BUTTERY GARLIC MIXTURE Remove the scallops from the pan. To the pan, quickly add in that creamy Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt. Let it melt and add in the garlic and lemon, then stir until fragrant.
RETURN SCALLOPS Add the scallops back to the pan, coat with the buttery garlic mixture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley

PRO TIP:Scallops are like little sponges and will soak up as much water or liquids as they can. Do NOT rinse your scallops in water to clean them. They will soak up too much water and then release it all in your pan… and you’ll end up with sad scallops.

Such a beautiful, yet quick and easy seafood recipe to make!

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Searing?

When it comes down to it, everyone should have a good heavy-duty skillet (either cast iron or stainless steel) in their kitchen.

You wont get a good sear with a non-stick pan, but if that’s all you have… make sure to crank up the heat as high as you can to get that good sear on the scallops.

What To Serve With Sea Scallops?

These plump and perfectly cooked sea scallops are fantastic over a nice angel hair pasta. Here are some other great ways to serve them…

Can I Cook Scallops Ahead Of Time?

Since scallops are a lot like shrimp and lobster, where they cook so fast and can be tough or rubbery if over cooked, I’m going to advise against cooking ahead of time.

Not to worry, these Garlic Butter Scallops are ready in just 15 minutes, which is usually less time than it takes to boil a pot of pasta.

How Do I Know When They’re Cooked?

Scallops should be cooked to an internal temperature of about 125 to 130 degrees F.

If you gently poke the top of the scallop it should be slightly firm to the touch, but still have some give to it.

Why Are My Scallops Rubbery?

Scallops can go from juicy and succulent to rubbery and chewy in a matter of minutes. This usually happens when you’ve overcooked your scallops.

Make sure you use paper towels to get as much moisture out of the scallops before searing to ensure a quick sear and even cook time.

Enjoy your scallops right away after cooking for maximum flavor and texture.

I know you’re going to love these as much as we do!

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4.85 from 13 votes

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

This quick and easy Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops recipe is succulent and delicious. Serve over pasta for a fantastic meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb. sea scallops
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 medium lemon, juice half, slice remaining half
1 tbsp parsley, chopped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large, cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear scallops for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned and scallops are cooked through. Remove scallops from pan to a plate.
Add Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt to skillet and let melt. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Squeeze in the juice of half the lemon, then add the scallops back to the pan and top with parsley.
Serve over cooked pasta with extra lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Keywords: angel hair pasta, Butter, Garlic, Lemon, scallops

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Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe (2024)

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

Ingredients Needed For Seared Scallops

How To Make Garlic Butter Scallops

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Searing?

What To Serve With Sea Scallops?

Can I Cook Scallops Ahead Of Time?

How Do I Know When They’re Cooked?

Why Are My Scallops Rubbery?

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

Ingredients

Instructions

Video

Nutrition

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FAQs

Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

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