If you’re a seafood fan but have never eaten scallops before, you’ll love them. They’re mild yet memorable, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why scallops are such a cherished ingredient in many cuisines.
Scallops have a taste that’s sweet and slightly nutty, with a hint of saltiness that whispers of their oceanic origins. They’re not overwhelmingly ‘fishy’ like some seafood can be, but rather offer a delicate flavor that’s more akin to crab or lobster.
Whether you’re a seasoned scallop lover or a curious newbie, there’s something to learn and enjoy. So, let’s get started on this scallop journey!
What Do Scallops Taste Like?
The taste of scallops is a blend of sweet and savory that’s reminiscent of a succulent crab or a tender lobster. It’s a mild, yet undeniably present taste, a subtle sweetness perfectly balanced with a hint of brininess.
Scallops also have a buttery richness that makes them a joy to savor. They’re not overly ‘fishy’ like some seafood can be, but rather offer a delicate flavor that’s more like other shellfish.
As for the smell, fresh scallops have a clean, ocean-like aroma. It’s not overpowering, but rather a subtle scent that reminds you of a sea breeze. It’s a smell that’s as inviting as the taste itself, adding to the overall sensory experience of enjoying scallops.
Types Of Scallops
There are several types of scallops available, each with its own unique taste and texture:
- Sea Scallops: These are the larger variety and have a rich flavor. They’re perfect for searing and often used in gourmet cooking.
- Bay Scallops: Smaller than sea scallops, bay scallops have a more delicate flavor and texture. They’re ideal for quick-cooking methods like stir-frying or broiling.
- Calico Scallops: These are smaller and more colorful than other varieties. They have a slightly sweeter taste and are commonly used in seafood mixes.
- King Scallops: Also known as great scallops, these are large and meaty with a sweet, nutty flavor. They’re often served in their beautiful fan-shaped shells.
What Does Scallops Compare With?
Scallops can be compared to a few other seafoods:
- crab: Scallops and crab both have a sweet, delicate flavor, although scallops can be slightly nuttier.
- Lobster: The sweet and tender meat of a lobster is similar to that of a scallop, although lobster has a slightly stronger flavor.
- Shrimp: Both scallops and shrimp have a mild, sweet flavor, but scallops are typically softer and more buttery.
- Clams and Oysters: Scallops are often compared to their shellfish cousins, clams and oysters, due to their similar briny and sweet flavor profiles.
What Do Scallops Look Like?
Scallops are a type of shellfish that are known for their distinctive, fan-shaped shells. However, when you buy scallops at the grocery store, you usually get the meaty muscle inside that the scallop uses to open and close its shell.
This part of the scallop is round and somewhat flat, with a creamy white color, although some scallops can have a slightly pink or orange hue.
When shopping for scallops, look for ones that are plump and firm, with a moist appearance. They should have a fresh, clean smell, reminiscent of the ocean. Avoid scallops that are dry, discolored, or have a strong, fishy odor, as these are signs that the scallops are not fresh.
Scallops come in different sizes, with sea scallops being the largest and bay scallops being much smaller.
Speaking of the actual meaty part you eat, Sea scallops are often about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, while bay scallops are usually less than an inch across.
Regardless of size, all scallops should have a similar taste and texture when cooked properly.
How To Eat Scallops
Here are a few of my favorite ways to eat scallops:
- Seared: This is perhaps the most popular way to enjoy scallops. Searing them in a hot pan with butter or oil gives them a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Grilled: Grilling scallops imparts a smoky flavor that complements their natural sweetness. They’re fantastic on skewers, perhaps with some vegetables for a colorful and tasty kebab.
- Baked: Baking scallops in the oven is a great way to prepare a larger quantity at once. You can add a variety of sauces or toppings, like a breadcrumb mixture or a drizzle of lemon butter.
- Stir-Fried: Scallops can be quickly stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of sauce for a quick and healthy meal. They pair well with flavors like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Raw: Yes, scallops can be eaten raw too! They’re often served this way in sushi or ceviche, where their sweet and delicate flavor can really shine.
Remember, the key to a great scallop dish is not to overcook them. They should be cooked just until they’re opaque. This ensures they remain tender and succulent, ready to melt in your mouth.
Scallops FAQs
What do scallops taste like?
Scallops have a sweet, slightly nutty, and mildly briny flavor. They’re not overly ‘fishy’ like some seafood can be, but rather offer a delicate flavor that’s more akin to other shellfish such as crab or lobster.
Do scallops taste similar to shrimp or lobster?
Yes, scallops have a flavor similar to shrimp or lobster, but with their own distinct characteristics. They’re sweet like lobster and have a delicate, buttery flavor similar to shrimp, but they also have a unique nuttiness and a hint of brininess.
How to cook scallops to preserve their taste?
The key to cooking scallops is to not overdo it. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Whether you’re searing, grilling, baking, or stir-frying scallops, cook them just until they become opaque. This ensures they remain tender and succulent, allowing their natural flavors shine.
What is the texture of cooked scallops?
When cooked properly, scallops have a firm but tender texture. They should be slightly springy to the touch, and when you bite into them, they should be soft and succulent, not rubbery or tough.
How to tell if scallops are fresh?
Fresh scallops should have a clean, ocean-like aroma. They should be moist but not wet, and have a firm texture. The color can vary from creamy white to a pale pink or orange. If the scallops have a strong fishy smell or are slimy or discolored, they’re likely not fresh.