Ina's Baked Scallops Gratin Recipe With White Wine (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to sear or bake 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.

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.

Scallops have a mild, sweet flavor with a buttery, tender, soft texture. Are scallops healthy? Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

Dry the Scallops

This not only seasons them, but will draw out a ton of surface moisture. Before you're ready to start cooking, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Expelling as much moisture as possible will help to create that signature, golden-brown crust on the outside.

The secret is that you just pat them dry (buy dry-packed scallops), season with salt and pepper, and put them in a hot pan coated with oil and you leave them alone. Don't touch them. Don't move them.

Sure, you can rinse them off but make absolutely certain that they're dry. No. It is not necessary to wash scallops before cooking.

Never thaw scallops at room temperature. Rinse and pat dry. Rinse the scallops, then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. If scallops have too much moisture on the outside, they won't brown properly.

If there's milky white liquid pooled in it, odds are those scallops are treated. Finally, take a look at the scallops themselves. Wet scallops have a ghostly, opaque, pale white or orange-white appearance. Dry scallops will be fleshier and more translucent.

How many scallops should you serve? If you're serving scallops as a main course with sides, plan on around 6 ounces per person. That would be 4-6 large (U10) sea scallops and 8-10 medium sized.

Add scallops that have dried on a paper towel and been seasoned generously with Kosher salt to the pan, then cook for 1-2 minutes undisturbed. If you're lucky enough to get large sea scallops (we're talking 2″ in diameter!), sear for 2-3 minutes undisturbed, until there is a golden brown crust and scallops turn opaque.

How to season scallops for cooking? ›

Pat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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.

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.

To maximize the taste and texture of these shellfish, many chefs recommend coating scallops in flour in order to get a better sear. While some cooks swear by this method, you actually don't have to cover your scallops in flour to get great results.