Seared Scallops

Scallops are a popular restaurant favorite for a few reasons. They’re incredibly delicious with their slightly sweet flavor and tender, delicate texture. Also, they’re ordered so often because as tasty as they are, so many people are afraid to make them at home! I’m here to tell you that your fears are unwarranted – making scallops at home is a whole lot easier than you may have thought.

A big element that scares many people away from scallops is the price. Scallops can be quite expensive, and the better the quality, the more expensive they get. With that being said, I get it – it’s scary to cook something expensive and fear that you may ruin it. But I’m here to reassure you that seared scallops are incredibly easy to make and they cook so quickly!

Sea scallops, olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper is all you need to make this entrée. If you’re feeling like adding a little more flavor, finish the scallops with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, but you don’t even need to do that. It’s a very simple seafood dinner that’s wonderful to serve during the summertime with a light vegetable side dish or a green salad.

Sea Scallops – Dry scallops are what you want for cooking seared scallops! Scroll down to my FAQ section for more info about what exactly that means and the different types of scallops you can purchase.

Olive Oil – You can use avocado oil instead if you’d like. I personally really enjoy the subtle flavor that good quality extra virgin olive oil lends the scallops.

Seasonings – Compliment the natural flavor of the scallops with just a few pinches of salt and black pepper.

Butter – Use unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, I’d recommend skipping the pinch of salt as a seasoning.

Garlic – It’s imperative to use fresh garlic only! Pre-minced or paste garlic will not yield the right aroma or flavor.

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

Step 1: Rinse the scallops off with cold water and gently pat each one dry with a paper towel. If there are any scallops that have the side muscle attached, simply remove it.

Step 2: Season the scallops with a little salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it warm up for just a minute.

Step 4: Place the scallops into the pan. Leave room between each one to ensure a good sear.

Types Of Scallops and What Does It Mean

Dry scallops

Dry scallops have not been soaked in any chemical solution and therefore are slightly darker in color. They will have the best natural taste through, no excess liquid, and cook beautifully. They’re the best scallops for searing because no excess liquid will come out to hinder the sear. (Note that there will be some natural liquids coming out, just not in excess.)

Wet scallops

These scallops have been soaked in a phosphate solution that whitens them. It makes them absorb more liquid and therefore, weigh more. So when you buy these scallops, you are paying more money for water. They also do not sear as well and give out a lot of liquid when bake. Try your best to stay away from “wet scallops” and look for “dry-packed” or “chemical free” labels.

Sea scallops

These are the big scallops and sometimes they are called “jumbo.” These big boys can be as big as 2 inches in diameter and as small as 1 inch. They are perfect for seared scallops or baked scallops.

Bay scallops

These are smaller scallops that are found in shallow waters. These scallops can be as small as 1/2 inch in diameter and don’t get bigger than 3/4 inch. Because of the small size, they are not suited for searing because they cook fast and can easily be overcooked and turned rubbery.

Diver scallops

These can range in size but are more expensive. Most scallops are picked but a boat that is dragging a net along the ocean floor but diver scallops are picked by hand. Divers will usually hand-pick the biggest, fully grown scallops and that’s reflected in the price. 

What Does the Number on the Label Mean?

Many stores and packages will have a number next to the scallops and shrimp, for example 36/40 or 21/25. These numbers indicate the amount of scallops or shrimp you will get in 1 pound. So smaller number will mean that the size of scallops will be bigger, and bigger number will mean that the size will be smaller. 

You may also see a label that states “U10” or “U15” and all that means is “under.” So there are under 10 scallops in a pound or under 15 scallops in a pound. That is also a size indication. 

Getting Fresh vs Frozen Scallops

This is not as clear-cut as you might think. If you live on the coast, you may have bought frozen scallops straight from the fishermen. Most local fishermen flash-freeze seafood as soon as they catch it to preserve it. You will still get the freshest seafood this way but it will be frozen.

When it comes to fresh, seafood is truly fresh when the market gets it within a day or two and you buy it right away. Otherwise, supermarkets may label it “fresh, never frozen” but it could be several days old. It all comes down to the reputation and the market that you trust. 

If you have no way of getting fresh scallops, you can purchase it frozen. In this case, always thaw them slowly, overnight in the refrigerator. Cook them the next day after it’s thawed and do not re-freeze. 

PRO TIP: The most important recommendation that I can make when it comes to buying scallops is to make sure you get sea scallops or diver scallops that are“dry”. Check the label for that information and if it’s not available, ask the specialist at the seafood counter. 

More Scallop Recipes to Try:

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Scallops with Cream Sauce

Scallop Scampi

Baked Scallops

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