Bay Scallops: Sweet and Tender Seafood Delight

This Bay Scallops is a delightful seafood dish that combines the sweet, tender flavor of bay scallops with a zesty garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seared to golden perfection, these bite-sized treasures are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for entertaining. With the rich flavors of garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will absolutely love this Bay Scallops recipe because it’s incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. The sweet, delicate taste of bay scallops is enhanced by a simple yet delicious garlic butter sauce that comes together in mere minutes. This dish is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as it’s packed with protein and healthy fats while being free from heavy carbs. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose Fresh Scallops: Look for plump, moist scallops that have a fresh ocean smell. Avoid scallops that appear dry or have a strong fishy odor.
• Pat Dry: Before cooking, make sure to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a nice sear without steaming them.
• High Heat: Use a hot skillet to sear the scallops quickly. This locks in flavor and gives you that beautiful golden crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and prevent proper searing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: Bay scallops cook very quickly. Searing for just 1-2 minutes per side is ideal; overcooked scallops become rubbery.
• Skipping the Drying Step: Not drying the scallops can lead to steaming instead of searing. Always pat them dry before cooking.
• Incorrect Seasoning: Ensure you season your scallops with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it in a pan when you’re ready to cook the scallops. You can also clean and dry the scallops in advance, but it’s best to cook them fresh for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or dill into the butter sauce for added flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Try adding orange zest along with lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.

How to Serve

Serve your seared bay scallops on a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a fresh garden salad. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color on top, and a wedge of lemon on the side enhances the dish’s brightness. For a more elegant presentation, serve the scallops on individual plates with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your bay scallops with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, refreshing cocktail such as a gin and tonic. For side dishes, consider a light arugula salad or roasted asparagus. If you have a sweet tooth, finish off your meal with a light lemon sorbet for dessert.

How to Store

Leftover bay scallops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days for the best quality. While freezing is possible, it may change their texture, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. If you do freeze, ensure they are well wrapped and consume within 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Equipment Needed

• A large skillet (preferably cast iron for best heat retention)
• A spatula for flipping scallops
• Tongs for easy handling
• A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based butter substitute. For a vegan adaptation, consider using marinated tofu or tempeh instead of scallops and creating a similar garlic butter sauce with olive oil.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, you can add fresh corn or cherry tomatoes to the dish for a seasonal twist. In the fall, consider serving the scallops with a pumpkin purée or butternut squash for a comforting autumn flavor.

Cost Breakdown

Estimating the cost for this recipe, a pound of bay scallops typically ranges from $15 to $25, depending on the season and location. Other ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon are generally inexpensive, bringing the total cost to about $20 for four servings or approximately $5 per serving. For a budget-friendly option, consider using frozen scallops, which can be significantly cheaper.

Kitchen Hacks

To save time, you can mince garlic in bulk and freeze it in ice cube trays for quick access. Another hack is to zest your lemon using a microplane for a quick, fine zest without much effort.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen scallops instead of fresh? Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• How long do I cook bay scallops? Sear them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are opaque and golden.
• What can I substitute for butter? Olive oil or a vegan butter alternative works well in this recipe.

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Yield: 4

Bay Scallops

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This Bay Scallops is a delightful seafood dish that combines the sweet, tender flavor of bay scallops with a zesty garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seared to golden perfection, these bite-sized treasures are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for entertaining.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound bay scallops
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by patting the bay scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until bubbly.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Increase the heat to high and add the scallops in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Once cooked, remove from heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the scallops.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 234Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 77mgSodium 833mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 24g

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.

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Final Thoughts

Cooking bay scallops can elevate your dinner experience with minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bay scallops are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the joy of cooking!