Steaming Scallops: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

Scallops are a luxurious treat, perfect for date nights or weeknight dinners. They are a quick-cooking seafood option, with steaming being one of the easiest and quickest ways to prepare them. Steaming scallops highlights their delicate sweetness without the extra calories from butter or oil that is typical of seared or fried scallops. This cooking method is also versatile, as steamed scallops are well-suited for Asian-inspired dishes or served in a salad or pasta dish.

Steaming scallops: a quick and easy appetizer

Scallops are a luxurious treat, perfect for date nights or a weeknight dinner. They are super-fast to cook and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal choice for a quick and easy appetizer.

How to Steam Scallops:

First, you'll want to remove the side muscle from the scallops. This is a small, tough piece of tissue that connects the scallop to its shell. Simply pinch it with your thumb and finger and pull it away.

Next, you'll need to prepare your steamer. Fill the base pot with water and place it over medium-low heat. Bring the water to a low boil. The water level should be about an inch below the steamer basket.

Now, place the scallops in a mixing bowl and toss them with your choice of seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, or garlic.

Once the water is boiling, place the scallops in the steamer basket and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the scallops for 3 to 8 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when they turn white and opaque, with a slightly springy center.

Serving Suggestions:

Steamed scallops go well with glass noodles. Simply cook the noodles according to the package instructions and toss them with a sauce of your choice. Place the scallops on top of the noodles and garnish with cilantro or green onions.

You can also serve steamed scallops as part of an Asian-inspired dish, in a salad, or with pasta. They are versatile and can be paired with various ingredients to create a delicious and elegant appetizer.

So there you have it! Steamed scallops are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer option that is sure to impress.

How to prepare scallops for steaming

Preparing scallops for steaming is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Clean the scallop shells: Use a brush to gently clean the scallop shells, then pat them dry with paper towels. If you are using frozen scallops, make sure they are completely thawed before cleaning.
• Remove the side muscle: Find the side muscle, a small tag of tough muscle tissue on the side of the scallop that connects it to the shell. Pinch it with your thumb and finger and pull it away.
• Rinse and clean the scallops: Rinse the scallops under cold running water to remove any debris or sand. You can also use a small brush to gently clean the scallops if needed.
• Remove the intestines (optional): If you prefer, you can remove the intestines (or roe) from the scallops. This is a matter of personal preference and is not necessary for steaming.
• Season the scallops: Place the cleaned scallops in a mixing bowl and toss them with your choice of seasonings and spices. You can use salt and pepper, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, or any other seasonings you like.
• Prepare the steamer: Fill the bottom of a steamer pot or wok with a few inches of water and bring it to a low boil over medium-low heat. The water level should be about an inch below the steamer basket.
• Place the scallops in the steamer basket: Arrange the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the steamer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cover and steam: Cover the steamer basket with a tight-fitting lid and steam the scallops for 3 to 8 minutes, depending on their size. Scallops are done when they turn white, opaque, and firm, but still slightly springy in the centre.

Remember, steaming is a delicate cooking method for scallops, and it is easy to overcook them, which can make them flavourless and rubbery. Always keep an eye on the scallops while steaming and adjust the timing as needed.

The best type of scallops for steaming

When it comes to choosing scallops for steaming, there are a few types to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and price point:

Wet Scallops

Wet scallops, also known as "wet-packed" scallops, are shucked when caught and then placed in a bucket of water. This process causes them to absorb water, plumping them up. However, once cooked, they tend to shrink quickly. Wet scallops are usually smaller and can be a bit of a surprise when you see their size after cooking. They are the most affordable option of the three types.

Dry Scallops

Dry scallops, or "dry-packed" scallops, are also shucked when caught but are stored in dry buckets without any added water. Consequently, they are larger in size and more expensive than wet scallops. Dry scallops are preferred by scallop connoisseurs due to their more intense flavour.

Diver Scallops

Diver scallops are harvested by divers, as the name suggests, and are the most expensive variety. They are prized for their freshness and quality, making them a luxurious choice for steaming.

When selecting scallops for steaming, it is essential to consider your budget and taste preferences. Fresh, dry, and diver scallops tend to offer superior flavour and texture, but they come at a higher cost. Wet scallops, while more affordable, may not provide the same level of taste or size consistency.

Additionally, it is worth noting that fresh scallops may not be readily available in certain regions, particularly in the US. In such cases, frozen dry scallops can be a suitable alternative, though they will also carry a higher price tag.

What to serve with steamed scallops

Steamed scallops are a delicious and quick dish to serve, but what goes well with them? Here are some ideas for side dishes and accompaniments to serve with your steamed scallops.

Firstly, you could serve them with noodles. Glass noodles, also known as mung bean vermicelli, are a popular choice and go well with the seafood flavour. They are often served as a bed for the scallops to sit on, absorbing the juices from the scallops and any sauce. To prepare them, boil a small pot of water, add the noodles and cook for 30 seconds, Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.

You can also serve scallops with rice, which is a simple and versatile option. White rice can be steamed or boiled and will soak up the flavours of the dish. Fried rice with vegetables or meat is another option, adding a crunchy texture to the soft scallops.

Vegetables are also a great side dish to steamed scallops. You could steam or stir-fry some mixed vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, to add colour and nutrition to your meal. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option, and you can steam them in the same pot as your scallops.

Lastly, scallops are often served with a sauce, such as a salty-sweet soy sauce or a garlic butter sauce. You can also garnish your scallops with herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a fresh flavour to the dish.

So, there you have it! Some tasty and complementary side dishes to serve with your steamed scallops.

How long to steam scallops for

Steaming is one of the easiest and quickest ways to prepare scallops. However, it is easy to overcook them, which can make them flavourless and rubbery. The cooking time depends on the number and size of the scallops. Small calico scallops only take a few minutes to cook, while large sea scallops can take up to 8 minutes. Scallops are done when they are white, opaque and firm, but with a slightly springy centre.

To steam scallops, first, bring the base pot of a steamer to a low boil over medium-low heat. The water level should be about 1 inch below the steamer basket. Place the scallops in a mixing bowl and toss with your choice of seasonings and spices, if desired. While you can steam the scallops plain, you can also sprinkle them with salt, toss them in lemon juice, or toss them with ingredients such as soy sauce and honey.

Next, place the scallops in the steamer basket and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the scallops for 3 to 8 minutes, depending on their size and number. If you are using medium or large-sized scallops, steam them for 2 minutes, and for jumbo scallops, steam for 4 minutes. If you are using frozen scallops, steam until most of the scallops are open, which will take approximately 4 to 6 minutes.

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