How to Cook Scallops
Caught by our Brixham-based scallop boats here in Devon, Greendale scallops are pretty special – they’re also pretty healthy, as their firm white flesh and cream and orange coral (or roe) are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, and low in cholesterol.
Although scallops are one of those ingredients that may seem a bit daunting if you’ve never cooked them before, don’t worry; you don’t need any special tools or gadgets, and although scallop meat is quite delicate, that just means cooking them simply (and often quickly). The key to many scallop recipes is usually just making sure that all the ingredients are prepped beforehand, that any ‘make in advance’ elements are sorted out first, and that you’ll be able to sit down and eat as soon as the scallops are ready.
Nine times out of ten, we like to cook our scallops by pan-frying them, and it really is easy; for example, this Scallops with Minted Peas Recipe just requires melted butter and olive oil in a pan over a medium flame, with the seasoned scallops cooked for one minute on each side. Once you’ve got the pan-frying knack, there are loads of tasty recipes to try, including our Scallops with Chorizo, Scallops Beurre Blanc and Spaghetti with Scallops, Prawns and Lemon. If you fancy something a little more adventurous, our Bacon-Wrapped Scallops recipe does need an oven, but it’s simply a matter of wrapping a streaky bacon slice around each scallop (the bacon fat stops the scallops from drying out) and baking for 15-20 minutes. And if you like the idea of barbecuing scallops, rest assured that they’ll cook over hot charcoal in minutes – our Lemony Barbecued Scallops recipe shows you how to keep them moist while grilling, with a flavoured melted butter that probably takes longer to prepare than the scallops do to cook!
Still not sure about making the recipe yourself? Don’t worry, our fishmonger Ethan has put together some delicious ready-prepared scallops with flavoured butters for you to try. Choose from Lemon and Lime Butter, Garlic Butter or Cajun Butter Scallops, served singly on a scallop shell – just pop into a hot oven for 10 minutes, and enjoy. Alternatively book a table at the Greendale Cafe & Restaurant and enjoy our pan fried scallops served with crispy bacon, black pudding and cherry tomatoes on a bed of balsamic dressed salad. Click here to book a table.
Suggested recipes:
Greendale Scallops With Risotto & Brown Butter
Greendale Scallops with Chorizo Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Scallops with Minted Peas Recipe
Scallops Beurre Blanc
Spaghetti with Scallops, Prawns and Lemon
Lemony Barbecued Scallops
