Best Frozen Scallop selection and cooking tips
Scallops are a type of bivalve mollusk with a single huge eye on each side of their body. They are found in the ocean, brackish water, or even freshwater lakes and ponds. Scallops are actually not a single species but rather many different species that come in several varieties. In terms of taste scallops vary from mild to very strong in flavor depending on the variety used. Fresh scallops also have a unique taste and aroma unlike anything you’ll find at the supermarket. However many people shy away from eating them simply because they don’t know how to prepare them or what to serve them with. This can be quite frustrating for those who have grown up eating scallops as an everyday staple for their family and friends! Fortunately there is no shortage of frozen varieties available now than ever before so it’s much easier than it used to be to get great tasting scallops year-round if you can only buy fresh scallops during certain months. Here we will take a look at some of the best frozen scallop selections available today and how you can cook them safely and easily at home as well as how long they should be kept frozen after thawing out before being cooked again otherwise they won’t taste as good anymore.
Are Scallops Healthy?
Scallops are low in fat, high in protein, and contain many essential nutrients. They are a good source of vitamins A and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium. If you're looking for a healthy alternative to other meat sources then scallops can fill the void quite nicely. Additionally there is a good amount of potassium found in scallops making them a great choice for anyone with high blood pressure or who is just trying to maintain healthy levels of potassium in their diet. Scallops have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits as well including lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Scallop consumption also has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by up to 60 percent!
Are frozen scallops as good a fresh?
Yes, frozen scallops are as good as fresh. Most people often ask if frozen scallops can match the taste of the scallops that come from the ocean. In general, frozen scallops have a similar flavor and texture to fresh ones and in some cases even better flavor because they are not exposed to oxygen or other environmental factors as they would be in the ocean. If you’re looking for a more definitive answer, it’s best to consult with your fishmonger or shipper. They should be able to tell you whether their product has been stored in refrigerated warehouses with controlled temperatures and humidity levels or if it has been stored at room temperature in distribution centers where there is no cold storage. If your product is not stored under optimal conditions then you may want to avoid it since those conditions will most likely lead to spoiling your food faster than expected.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Scallops?
Thaw frozen scallops in their unopened packaging by submerging the package in cold water. If you can’t find a package, use your fist or a butter knife to punch a hole in the side of the box. Place the scallops inside and let them thaw for at least 30 minutes. Once thawed, remove them from the water and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. That’s it! You now have freshly thawed and ready-to-cook scallops that will make your mouth water as soon as they hit it!
Best Way To CookFrozen Scallops?
First let’s look at the best way to cook frozen scallops. Scallops are usually cooked in a skillet, but they can also be broiled, baked or steamed. You’ll want to use a grill pan if you are going to broil them. They can be cooked on the stove top or in the oven.
Here is an easy recipe for scallops with bacon and butter on a bed of rice with a lemon butter sauce that would work well for cooking frozen scallops as well as fresh scallops:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 pieces sliced bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more or less depending on how hot you like your food
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white wine
- One bunch green onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken stock, low sodium preferred (If using canned stock then omit the salt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails left on if desired
How To Prepare Frozen Scallops?
The most important part of preparing frozen scallops is to thaw them out completely before cooking them. This will ensure that the scallops are safe and won’t taste as good if you cook them immediately after thawing them out. The best way to thaw out your frozen scallops is by using cold water in a large bowl or pitcher. You may want to let the water soak for a few hours before you put the scallops in, this will reduce how much they cook while they are being thawed. You can also put the frozen scallops on a tray or plate and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight before you start cooking them.
If you choose to do this make sure you place a sheet of parchment paper over your tray or plate so the scallops don’t stick. Once the scallops have been thawed, it’s time to prepare! There are many different ways of preparing frozen scallop dishes -- from grilling and broiling, frying and sauteing, roasting and baking, to searing and simmering -- but my favorite way is to boil them with aromatics such as garlic, shallots, leeks, celery, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves with salt and white wine until they are tender then serve on pasta with butter sauce made from cream or heavy cream.
How to Grill Scallops
One of the best ways to cook scallops is by grilling. To make this method as easy as possible, use a sauce that is meant for grilling fish or seafood. Follow the next steps to grill your scallops:
- Take some olive oil, wine, and fresh herbs like basil, oregano and thyme and mix them together in a bowl.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- You can also add some lemon juice or white wine vinegar for extra flavor.
- Next take your scallops out of the freezer and brush them with the sauce on both sides before placing them on the grill.
- Cook them on medium-high heat until they are lightly browned on the outside and then turn them over to cook more evenly.
- Once they are done cooking you will want to remove them from the grill so that they don’t get overcooked and stick to the grate (this can happen quickly).
- If you don’t have a grill pan or a baking sheet then you can still do this on an oven rack set about 5 inches below a pre-heated broiler setting for about 3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Recommendations for Preparing Frozen Scallops
Thaw the scallops in their original packaging. This way they come to room temperature faster and will be ready to cook in no time. - Preheat your oven to 400°F with an empty pan on the top shelf while you thaw the scallops. - Place 1/2 cup of water into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over high heat. Let it come to a boil then add one tablespoon of butter and stir until it’s melted. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper and stir constantly. Once mixed together remove from heat and pour over the scallops ensuring that each scallop is completely coated in this mixture before placing them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or silicone mat. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown then turn off the oven and leave them inside for another 5 minutes so they continue cooking so that all sides get crispy before serving.
Tips for Buying Scallops
In terms of buying scallops, there are two main things to consider. If you live in a place where the seafood is plentiful then you might be able to find fresh scallops at your local grocery store, market or restaurant. In this case you can buy them without having to worry about them spoiling. However if you live somewhere that doesn’t have access to fresh scallops then the only other option for you is the frozen variety. First thing you should do when shopping for scallops is to look for ones that have been processed using either UHT (ultra high temperature) pasteurization or dry heat pasteurization methods. The best way to ensure that your frozen scallops don’t go bad before they are cooked is by choosing brands that use these processes to keep them safe from spoilage and bacteria growth while still maintaining their texture, taste, and nutritional value. Some other things to watch out for when shopping for frozen scallops are packaging labels and expiration dates as well as how long the product has been sitting on the shelf waiting to be bought prior to purchase so it doesn’t have time degrade in flavor and quality.
Shop at Teck Sang on Hong Kong Street. Best selections
Teck Sang, a traditional asian cuisine ingredient retailer located on Hong Kong Street is the best place to find good quality dried and frozen scallops year round.
They have a variety of different types and sizes and they even sell both dried and frozen scallops from around the world. If you order by the half kilo, you will get them at wholesale prices so be sure to get more than one!
Click below to start shopping now
If you’re looking for some new seafood to cook with this winter then try these recipes out: 1) Scallop Rice Bowl 2) Fish Roe Fried Rice 3) Salmon Fillet Wrapped in Egg With Dip
Frequently Asked Questions
Are frozen scallops safe to eat?
Yes, frozen scallops are safe to eat as long as they have been stored and thawed properly. It is important to thaw frozen scallops in their unopened packaging in cold water or in the refrigerator overnight to ensure they are completely thawed and safe to cook. Proper storage and thawing methods will help maintain the quality and taste of the scallops.
How long do frozen scallops last?
Frozen scallops can last for several months if stored properly. It is recommended to consume them within 3-6 months for the best quality. Be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging and follow any storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
How should I season frozen scallops?
Frozen scallops can be seasoned with a variety of flavors depending on personal preference. Some popular options include garlic, lemon juice, herbs like thyme or basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, wine, and herbs before cooking for added flavor.
Can I cook frozen scallops without thawing them first?
While it is possible to cook frozen scallops without thawing them first, it is generally recommended to thaw them before cooking. Thawing allows for more even cooking and ensures that the scallops are safe to consume. Thawed scallops also tend to have a better texture and flavor compared to cooking them straight from frozen.
What is the best way to cook frozen scallops?
Frozen scallops can be cooked in a variety of ways including grilling, broiling, baking, or sautéing. The best method will depend on personal preference and the desired outcome. It is important to follow cooking instructions provided with the scallops or use a reliable recipe to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Can I refreeze thawed scallops?
It is generally not recommended to refreeze thawed scallops. Once they have been thawed, the quality and texture may be compromised, and refreezing can further affect their taste and texture. It is best to cook and consume the scallops after thawing them instead of refreezing them.
How do I know if frozen scallops have gone bad?
Frozen scallops that have gone bad may have a strong, unpleasant odor or a slimy texture. If the scallops have an off-putting smell or appear discolored, it is best to discard them. It is important to prioritize food safety and not consume scallops that seem spoiled.
If you want to preserve your scallops for longer, we recommend using dried scallops instead. While they do require rehydration, they are bursting with a delicious concentrated umami seafood flavour. Read our buyer's guide to dried scallops here.