Fried scallops – This recipe highlights the delicate sweetness of scallops, perfectly seared until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Served with a zesty dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is not only luxurious but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this fried scallops recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The scallops, when cooked correctly, boast a subtly sweet taste complemented by a light, crispy coating. This dish is quick to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. It’s perfect for anyone looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, scallops are a lean source of protein, making this recipe a great fit for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your fried scallops turn out perfectly, start by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve that coveted crispy texture. Use a mix of breadcrumbs and cornmeal for added crunch, or try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the coating for extra flavor. When frying, ensure the oil is hot enough (around 375°F) before adding the scallops, as this prevents them from becoming greasy. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature for even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is overcooking the scallops, which can lead to a rubbery texture. Aim for a cooking time of about 2-3 minutes per side. Additionally, using wet scallops can cause them to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less than desirable outcome. Always make sure your scallops are dry before coating them in breadcrumbs. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
While it’s best to fry scallops just before serving for optimal texture, you can prep the scallops by cleaning and drying them a few hours in advance. Coat them in breadcrumbs and store them in the refrigerator for up to an hour before frying. This allows for less last-minute preparation and ensures that they stay fresh. If you’re making a dipping sauce, you can prepare that a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to play with flavors in this fried scallops recipe! For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. Swap out the traditional breadcrumbs for Panko for an extra crunch. For a twist on the classic, consider using a coconut crust by mixing shredded coconut with breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as dill or lemon zest, to enhance the flavor profile.
How to Serve
Once your fried scallops are perfectly golden, serve them immediately for the best texture. Arrange them on a beautiful platter with fresh lemon wedges for a pop of color and a squeeze of citrus. Add a small bowl of homemade tartar sauce or a tangy aioli for dipping. Consider pairing them with a light arugula salad or crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an elegant touch.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement the rich, buttery flavors of fried scallops, consider serving them with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay. For a cocktail option, a refreshing gin and tonic with a squeeze of lime pairs beautifully. Side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, or a light citrus salad work well, while a lemon sorbet makes for a delightful and refreshing dessert after the meal.
How to Store
If you have any leftover fried scallops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat, do so in an oven preheated to 350°F to restore some of their original crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked scallops in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the texture may be affected upon thawing.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need a heavy skillet or deep frying pan to achieve the best frying results. A thermometer is useful for checking oil temperature, but if you don’t have one, you can drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil to see if it sizzles. A slotted spoon will help you remove the scallops easily, and a paper towel-lined plate is essential for draining excess oil after frying.
Dietary Adaptations
For those following a gluten-free diet, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed cornflakes. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit any cheese you might add to the breadcrumbs. If you want to make it vegan, consider using slices of firm tofu or eggplant instead of scallops, and use a vegan batter for coating.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring and summer, serve your fried scallops with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, lightly sautéed in olive oil. In fall, consider incorporating a sweet potato mash or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the dish’s richness. During winter months, try pairing with a warm, hearty salad featuring kale or roasted root vegetables.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this fried scallops recipe is around $15-20 for four servings, depending on the price of scallops in your area. To keep costs down, consider purchasing frozen scallops, which are often more affordable. You can also replace some of the scallops with other seafood like shrimp or calamari for a mixed seafood dish.
Kitchen Hacks
To quickly peel garlic, crush the cloves slightly with the flat of a knife, and the skins will slip off easily. For slicing scallops evenly, use a very sharp knife and cut through the muscle gently. This helps maintain their shape when frying. If you’re preparing a large batch, consider using a food processor to speed up the breadcrumb process.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen scallops?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and dry them well before coating.
Q: How can I tell if my oil is hot enough?
A: A drop of bread should sizzle when it hits the oil. If it browns too quickly, your oil is too hot.
Q: Can I bake the scallops instead of frying?
A: Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake them at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How To Make fried scallops recipe
Fried Scallops
Fried scallops – This recipe highlights the delicate sweetness of scallops, perfectly seared until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by patting the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: in one bowl, place the flour mixed with garlic powder and paprika; in a second bowl, whisk the eggs; and in a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
- Dredge each scallop in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Fry the scallops in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 419Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 139mgSodium 1070mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 33g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This fried scallops recipe is a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality seafood into your own kitchen. With its combination of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to impress friends and family alike with minimal effort. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this dish, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations as you make it your own. Happy cooking!
