Steaming Scallops: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

Steamed scallops are a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. They are a good source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are especially popular in Chinese cuisine. When cooking steamed scallops, it is important to avoid overcooking them, as this can affect their texture and flavour. In this article, we will explore different methods for preparing and serving steamed scallops, including some simple recipes that you can try at home.

Steaming time for scallops

The steaming time for scallops depends on their size and whether they are wet or dry. Wet scallops absorb water, so they will shrink quickly once cooked. Dry scallops are more expensive and have a more intense flavour.

For medium or large-sized scallops, steam for 2 minutes. For jumbo scallops, steam for 4 minutes. If you are steaming frozen scallops, they will take around 5–6 minutes. Smaller scallops will cook faster, so adjust the steaming time accordingly. Aim for the scallops to be opaque in the centre and easy to slice, not chewy.

If you are steaming scallops in their shells, loosen the scallops from their shells but leave them in place. Sprinkle each one with ginger and steam for about 4 minutes until just set.

How to prepare scallops for steaming

Preparing scallops for steaming is a simple process, but it requires a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare scallops for steaming:

Choosing the Scallops:

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality scallops. You can choose between fresh live scallops or frozen ones. Fresh live scallops are considered the best option, but they can be more challenging to clean. Frozen scallops are a convenient alternative and are easier to clean. Another factor to consider is the type of scallop. There are three main types: wet scallops, dry scallops, and diver scallops. Wet scallops are placed in a bucket of water after being shucked, causing them to absorb water and plump up. As a result, they tend to shrink quickly during cooking and are usually smaller. Dry scallops, on the other hand, are stored in dry buckets without added water, resulting in a more intense flavour and larger size. Diver scallops, as the name suggests, are harvested by divers and are the most expensive option.

Cleaning and Preparing the Scallops:

If you have chosen fresh live scallops, carefully clean and remove any debris or grit from the shells. If you prefer to use frozen scallops, thaw them properly before use. Once you have your scallops, remove the muscles from the shell and discard the intestines. Rinse the scallops under cold running water to ensure they are clean. You can also pat them dry with paper towels if needed. At this stage, you can also remove the side of the shell unattached to the adductor muscles, as it won't be needed for steaming.

Seasoning and Marination:

Place the cleaned scallops in a bowl and set aside. You can now add your desired seasonings and marinades to enhance the flavour of the scallops. Common seasoning options include garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, chilli powder, and herbs. You can also marinate the scallops in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and scallion for added flavour. Experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your preferred taste.

Assembly and Steaming Setup:

After seasoning, it's time to assemble the scallops for steaming. Place the scallops on a plate or steamer basket, adding any vegetables or noodles if you wish to cook them together. You can also use scallop shells for a more impressive presentation. If using shells, sprinkle each scallop with some of the seasonings or marinade. Set up your steamer by bringing water to a boil in a shallow pan or pot. Ensure you have a steamer rack or basket that fits inside your cookware.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared scallops ready for steaming. Remember to be gentle during the cleaning and preparation process, as scallops are delicate. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll create delicious and tender steamed scallops that are sure to impress.

How to flavour the scallops

There are many ways to flavour steamed scallops. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Soy sauce: A popular choice to add a salty flavour to the dish. You can drizzle it over the scallops after cooking or steam them with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic and ginger.
• Garlic: This adds a strong, savoury flavour to the scallops. Try mincing or crushing garlic and adding it to the steamer with the scallops, or frying it in oil first to caramelise it.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger can be finely chopped and sprinkled over the scallops before steaming, or mixed with soy sauce and garlic for an extra kick.
• Chilli: For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh chilli or chilli powder to the steamer with the scallops.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice will add a tangy, acidic flavour to the dish.
• Spring onions: Thinly slice some spring onions and sprinkle them over the scallops after cooking for a mild onion flavour.
• Noodles: Steaming scallops with glass noodles allows the noodles to absorb the flavours of the scallops, creating a tasty dish.
• Vegetables: Try steaming scallops with your favourite vegetables, such as spinach, cauliflower or kale.
• Oil: Drizzling oil over the scallops after cooking can add extra flavour and aroma. Sesame oil is a good choice for an Asian-inspired dish.
• Spices and herbs: Try adding dried basil, onion salt or other herbs and spices to the steamer with the scallops for extra flavour.

What to serve with steamed scallops

Steamed scallops can be served with a variety of sides and in a range of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed scallops:

Noodles

Steamed scallops are often served with glass noodles, also known as mung bean vermicelli. The noodles are cooked by boiling and then added to the dish, where they absorb the flavours of the soy sauce, garlic, and scallop juices.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as spinach, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli can be steamed alongside the scallops, or served as a side dish. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a good option.

Rice

Rice can be served as a side dish or used as a base for the steamed scallops, creating a heartier meal.

Sauce

A sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil can be drizzled over the scallops before serving. Alternatively, a small amount of lemon juice can be added after cooking.

Herbs

Fresh herbs such as cilantro can be used to garnish the dish, adding flavour and colour.

Spices

Chilli powder can be added to the scallops before steaming, and sliced red chilli can be used as a topping.

Seafood

Prawns or shrimp can be steamed alongside the scallops or used as an alternative for those who are not fans of scallops.

Meat

Bacon is a possible pairing with steamed scallops, although this may be better suited to other cooking methods such as baking or frying.

Nutritional value of steamed scallops

Steamed scallops are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of protein, containing about 24 grams of lean protein per 100-gram serving. This makes them a great option for those looking to lose weight, as protein helps you feel full for longer and may increase your metabolism.

In addition to protein, steamed scallops provide a range of vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of selenium, which is important for reproductive function, thyroid function, and DNA production. A single serving of scallops provides about 46% of the recommended daily allowance of selenium for adults. Scallops also contain zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, as well as smaller amounts of copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

When it comes to heart health, scallops are a smart choice. They are a good source of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Scallops also contain magnesium and potassium, which help to relax blood vessels and may reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

For pregnant individuals, scallops are listed as a "best" choice by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists due to their low mercury content. They provide many key nutrients beneficial during pregnancy, such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and protein.

Lastly, steamed scallops have a low carbohydrate and sugar content, making them a good option for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Overall, steamed scallops offer a wide range of nutritional benefits and can be a healthy and delicious addition to your meals.

Frequently asked questions