Perfectly Broiled Scallops for a Gourmet Feast

broiled scallops

Broiled scallops are a tasty seafood dish you can make at home. With just a few ingredients and the right way to broil, you can cook a meal perfect for feasting. It’s great for a quick dinner or a special event meal. Broiled scallops will meet your seafood cravings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Broiled scallops are a gourmet seafood dish that can be made at home.
  • They are easy to prepare and require only a few ingredients.
  • Broiling enhances the natural flavors of scallops and creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Scallops are a lean source of protein and are low in calories and fat.
  • There are various alternative cooking techniques and serving suggestions for scallops.

How to Prepare Broiled Scallops

Preparing broiled scallops is easy and fun. You will make a delicious seafood dish that’ll wow your guests.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds of bay scallops, rinsed and drained
  • 4 tablespoons of butter, melted
  • 1 cup of seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of dried parsley

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a 2-quart oval casserole dish, melt the butter and spread it evenly.
  3. Add the rinsed and drained bay scallops to the dish, forming an even layer.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned dry bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
  5. Sprinkle the mixture over the scallops, covering them evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the scallops are firm and cooked through.

This broiling method brings out the scallops’ natural flavors. The crispy crust comes from melted butter and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices. You get a rich seafood dish that is sure to impress.

Watch the scallops as they bake to avoid overcooking. You want them firm yet tender, with a perfect crispy crust.

Calories Fat Carbs Protein
363 19g 16g 31g

Ready to make broiled scallops? Gather your ingredients and start cooking!

Nutritional Information of Broiled Scallops

A serving of broiled scallops (approximately 1.5 pounds) contains approximately 363 calories, 19g of fat, 16g of carbs, and 31g of protein.

Scallops are a great source of protein and are low in calories and fat. They bring many health benefits and are great for any diet. Broiled scallops have important nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and supports collagen production. Calcium and iron help with healthy bones and blood cells. Potassium is key for heart and muscle health.

Broiled scallops are perfect for a healthy, balanced diet. They are a tasty and nutrient-rich choice for seafood fans. Their low calorie and fat content are perfect for those looking for healthy options. Scallop protein helps you feel full and aids in weight control. Their nutrients make broiled scallops ideal for adding more vitamins and minerals to your meals.

Comparison of Nutritional Information

Below is a comparison of the nutritional information for broiled scallops with other common seafood options:

Seafood Option Calories Fat (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g)
Broiled Scallops (1.5 lbs) 363 19 16 31
Grilled Salmon (6 oz) 311 20 0 33
Steamed Shrimp (6 oz) 204 4 1 39
Breaded Calamari Rings (6 oz) 287 14 22 20

Table: A comparison of the nutritional information for broiled scallops with other common seafood options.

As shown in the table, broiled scallops are a healthy option. They have moderate calories and less fat and carbs than breaded calamari rings. Plus, they have more protein than grilled salmon and steamed shrimp. Adding broiled scallops to your diet means a nutritious and tasty choice for your meals.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

Broiling is a popular way to cook scallops. But, there are other methods you can try. These methods bring new flavors and textures, expanding your cooking with scallops.

Grilling

Grilling scallops adds a smoky taste. Try them with nori, ginger, and lime for a special touch. This mix brings a unique flavor that will wow your guests. Add a zesty lemony salsa verde for extra freshness. It makes the grilled scallops both lively and rich.

Frying

For a crispy treat, dredge and shallow-fry scallops into fritters. The crispy outside and tender inside are a perfect match. Or, try broiled scallops in garlic-butter or Parmesan cream sauce. The creamy sauce enhances the scallops’ sweet and delicate taste.

These methods help you explore with broiled scallops. Grilling, frying, or sautéing each adds a special twist. They’re sure to please your taste buds.

Quote:

“Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative in the kitchen. Scallops are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into extraordinary dishes with a little culinary imagination.” – Chef Julia Child

Now, it’s time to try these new cooking methods. Step out of your comfort zone. Discover the many ways broiled scallops can shine. Let these ideas inspire your inner chef.

Technique Flavor Profile Difficulty Level
Grilling Smoky, Bold, Citrusy Intermediate
Frying Crispy, Savory, Indulgent Intermediate

With these techniques, you can impress anyone. Dive into the culinary adventure. Let your creativity fly as you experiment with broiled scallops.

Tips for Perfectly Broiled Scallops

To make your broiled scallops turn out great every time, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Rinse and drain the scallops before cooking to get rid of extra moisture.
  2. Use good quality butter to melt and spread in the dish.
  3. Heat your oven to the right temperature for even cooking.
  4. Spread the scallops evenly to help them brown nicely.
  5. Mix the dry ingredients well to get the flavors right.
  6. Keep an eye on the scallops while they cook to avoid overdoing them.
Broiled Scallops Cooking Tips
Tips
Rinse and drain scallops
Use high-quality butter
Preheat the oven to the specified temperature
Spread scallops in an even layer
Mix dry ingredients well
Watch scallops closely while baking

Remember, the secret to perfect broiled scallops is to focus on the details. By following these steps, you’ll make a dish that’s tasty and looks good too. Enjoy cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Broiled Scallops

Broiled scallops are a flavorful seafood that can be a main dish or an appetizer. Try these ideas to make your meal special and impress your guests.

For a Main Course:

Broiled scallops taste great with a quick pan sauce. Mix lemon juice, white wine, or chicken stock for flavor. The lemon or wine adds zest, and chicken stock makes it savory. Drizzle this sauce over the scallops for extra taste.

Pair the scallops with roasted asparagus or a fresh salad. Asparagus brings out the scallops’ gentle taste. A salad adds a refreshing touch. Together, they make a fulfilling meal.

For an Appetizer:

Top broiled scallops with fresh herbs for flavor and looks. Use parsley, chives, or cilantro. These herbs make the dish more attractive and tasty.

Offer a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, vinaigrette, or citrus sauce. These sauces enhance the scallops’ sweet flavor. They add either a zesty or creamy touch.

These serving tips can make broiled scallops a standout dish. The mix of flavors, textures, and visuals will wow your guests. They’ll be eager for more!

Broiled Scallops Serving Suggestions Description
Main Course – Serve with a flavorful pan sauce
– Pair with roasted asparagus or mixed green salad
Appetizer – Garnish with fresh herbs
– Serve with a dipping sauce

Other Delicious Scallop Recipes

There are many tasty recipes you can try with scallops as the main ingredient. You can make seared scallops with lemon and capers or a refreshing scallop ceviche. There are also unique dishes like scallop burgers and scallop-stuffed ravioli. These recipes let you try different flavors and cooking methods.

Scallops are versatile and their subtle taste goes well with many ingredients. Trying different recipes shows new ways to enjoy scallops. They can be seared, eaten raw, or put in pasta. This turns any meal into a gourmet experience.

Seared Scallops with Lemon and Capers

To enjoy scallops, try searing them. This gives them a golden crust but keeps the inside tender. The sweet scallops go well with lemon and capers. Cook them in butter and olive oil. Then add lemon juice and capers. Serve with roasted veggies or a salad for a full meal.

Scallop Ceviche with Vibrant Chiles and Herbs

Ceviche is a dish that brings out scallops’ sweet taste. This recipe uses thinly sliced scallops marinated in citrus juice, chiles, and herbs. The citrus juice “cooks” the scallops, adding tangy flavors. Enjoy this ceviche with chips or on lettuce for a light meal.

Scallop Burgers with Avocado and Spicy Mayo

For something different, make scallop burgers. Form scallop meat into patties and cook them. Put them on buns with avocado, lettuce, and spicy mayo. This makes a juicy burger with a gentle hint of heat.

Scallop Carpaccio with Citrus Vinaigrette

Scallop carpaccio is a fancy dish. Thinly slice scallops and dress them with citrus vinaigrette. Add sea salt, pepper, and herbs for more flavor. This appetizer is both beautiful and tasty, perfect for special events.

Scallop-Stuffed Ravioli in Sage Butter Sauce

For homemade pasta lovers, try scallop-stuffed ravioli. Mix scallops, ricotta, garlic, and herbs for the filling. Use this to fill pasta sheets, then cook. Finish with sage butter sauce. This dish blends delicate scallop flavors with a rich sage butter sauce.

Recipe Description
Seared Scallops with Lemon and Capers A dish featuring perfectly seared scallops topped with a tangy lemon and caper sauce.
Scallop Ceviche with Vibrant Chiles and Herbs A refreshing ceviche made with fresh scallops, citrus juice, chiles, and herbs.
Scallop Burgers with Avocado and Spicy Mayo A unique twist on the classic burger, using scallops as the main protein.
Scallop Carpaccio with Citrus Vinaigrette A delicate and visually stunning dish featuring thinly sliced raw scallops with a citrus vinaigrette.
Scallop-Stuffed Ravioli in Sage Butter Sauce A labor of love, this recipe combines homemade or store-bought ravioli with a scallop filling and a rich sage butter sauce.

The Versatility of Scallops

Scallops are super flexible in cooking and offer many ways to be enjoyed. Whether you love seafood or cook professionally, scallops are a top choice. They have a unique flavor and texture that makes any dish better. You can cook them simply or make something fancy, like scallop pasta.

Seared Scallops

Searing scallops is a beloved method. It cooks them fast at high heat, making the outside golden and the inside tender. They’re great by themselves with lemon butter or added to other dishes. Scallops can elevate salads, risottos, or creamy pastas.

Grilled Scallops

Grilling scallops gives them a smoky taste. Marinate them in herbs, spices, and citrus to add exciting flavors. They work well with veggies on a skewer or atop grilled romaine in a Caesar salad.

Fried Scallops

Frying scallops creates a delicious, crispy coating while their inside stays soft. You can season them and pair with aioli or tartar sauce. They’re great as an appetizer or a main dish.

Scallops in Soups and Stews

Adding scallops to soups or stews makes the dish more elegant. They’re perfect in creamy chowders or savory broths. Try them in seafood gumbo or Thai coconut soup for a tasty meal.

Pasta Dishes with Scallops

Scallops make pasta dishes feel luxurious. You can mix them with lemony garlic sauce or with tomatoes and herbs. They add a special taste and texture to any pasta.

Salads with Scallops

In salads, scallops offer great flavor and a nice, meaty bite. They match well with different greens, fruits, and dressings. Pair seared scallops with a salad for a dish that stands out.

Dish Description
Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce A classic preparation that highlights the natural sweetness of scallops
Grilled Scallop Skewers Marinated scallops grilled to perfection on skewers with colorful vegetables
Fried Scallops with Aioli Crispy and irresistible scallops served with a creamy garlic aioli dip
Seafood Pasta with Scallops A decadent pasta dish featuring scallops, shrimp, and a flavorful tomato cream sauce
Scallop Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette A refreshing salad with seared scallops, mixed greens, and a tangy citrus dressing

Scallops can be cooked in many ways, fitting into all kinds of dishes. You can keep it simple with seared scallops or try new, exciting recipes. Cooking with scallops lets you get creative and explore different tastes. So, start cooking and see what amazing meals you can create!

Scallops in Gourmet Cuisine

Scallops are prized in gourmet food for their mild taste and flexibility. They shine in fancy restaurants and gourmet recipes. Their ability to boost a dish’s appeal is unmatched. Chefs worldwide get creative with scallops, making seafood meals that are a feast for the senses.

Seared scallops are a gourmet favorite. They’re quickly cooked to get a golden crust but stay soft inside. Often, they’re matched with complex sauces like citrus reduction or beurre blanc. These sauces bring out the scallops’ sweetness and add exciting flavors.

Scallop carpaccio is another gourmet hit. It features thinly sliced scallops in a light dressing. Ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and herbs make it a fresh appetizer. This dish combines soft scallops with bold flavors for a luxurious taste.

Quotes:

Scallops are like little gems of the sea, bringing a touch of luxury and refinement to any dish.

Gourmet Scallop Dishes:

Dish Description
Pan-Seared Scallops with Truffle Risotto Luxurious seared scallops served on creamy truffle risotto. This meal is indulgent and satisfying.
Scallop Ceviche with Mango Salsa Citrus-marinated scallops with mango salsa. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that excite the palate.
Scallop and Lobster Ravioli This decadent dish has scallop and lobster in homemade pasta. Served with velvety sauce, it’s a gourmet treat.

These dishes show how versatile and elegant scallops can be. They prove scallops can be the star of fancy meals. Whether seared, marinated, or as a filling, scallops impress everyone with their taste and looks.

Tips for Buying Scallops

Creating amazing broiled scallops or other seafood dishes starts with choosing fresh, high-quality scallops. It’s key to achieving the best taste and texture. Follow these pointers to make sure you get the perfect scallops for your special meal.

Look for Freshness

Check the look and smell when picking scallops. They should smell slightly sweet and look plump and firm. Steer clear of any that are slimy or smell strongly of fish, as they’re likely not fresh.

Source From Reputable Providers

To ensure your scallops are top-notch, buy from trusted seafood markets or suppliers. This move guarantees you’re cooking with the best quality scallops, making for the tastiest dishes.

Choose Responsibly Sourced Scallops

Choosing scallops wisely means supporting seafood practices that care for the ocean. Try to pick scallops that come from sustainable sources. This helps keep the scallop population healthy and protects our oceans.

Inspect Packaging and Labels

Look over the scallops’ packaging and labels. They should tell you where they’re from, how they were caught, and any important certifications. Aim for sustainably sourced signs or certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Ask for Recommendations

If you’re not sure which scallops to choose or how best to cook them, ask for help. Talk to staff at the seafood counter or a fishmonger you trust. They can give you tips and point you to the best scallops for your needs.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to pick the finest scallops. Fresh and tasty scallops are the secret to amazing seafood feasts, like broiled scallops that’ll delight anyone who tries them.

Conclusion

Broiled scallops are both luxurious and tasty. They can be made easily at home. They are perfect for impressing your family and friends.

You can try different cooking methods to spice up your scallop dishes. Grill or shallow-fry for a new twist. Pair them with sides like roasted veggies or a salad for a full meal.

Enjoy the rich flavors of broiled scallops at home. They’re easy to make and will wow anyone. Scallop dishes are great for anyone who loves seafood.

FAQ

What is the best way to prepare scallops?

Broiling scallops is a tasty option. It brings out their flavors and gives a crispy crust. You can also grill, fry, or sear them. They’re great in many dishes.

How do I broil scallops?

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Melt butter in a dish and spread it. Put rinsed scallops in, then add crumbs, Parmesan, and spices. Bake for 20 minutes until they’re ready.

Are scallops a healthy option?

Yes, they are a healthy choice. Scallops have low calories and fat but are high in protein. They also provide vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Can I use alternative cooking techniques with scallops?

Absolutely! Besides broiling, you can grill, fry, or sear scallops. They also work well in soups, stews, salads, and pasta. Each method brings out different flavors.

What are some tips for perfectly broiling scallops?

For perfect scallops, rinse and drain them first. Use quality butter, preheat your oven right, and spread scallops well in the dish. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking.

How should I serve broiled scallops?

Serve them as a main dish or an appetizer. With a pan sauce and vegetables, they make a complete meal. As an appetizer, add fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.

What other delicious recipes can I make with scallops?

Try lots of recipes like seared scallops with lemon, scallop ceviche, or scallop-stuffed ravioli. There’s no end to the delicious dishes you can create.

How versatile are scallops in cooking?

Scallops are very versatile. They can be cooked in many ways, including searing and grilling. They add a wonderful flavor to soups, stews, salads, and pasta.

Are scallops commonly featured in gourmet cuisine?

Yes, scallops are popular in gourmet cuisine. Their delicate flavor makes them a favorite in fine dining. They help elevate any dish they’re part of.

What should I consider when buying scallops?

Look for fresh, high-quality scallops with a sweet scent. They should be plump and firm. Avoid any that are slimy or smell fishy. Buy from reputable places for the best cooking results.

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