The Kitchn: These scallops are the epitome of fast and fancy food
Scallops are a little luxury in my household. A weekend date night means plates of pasta and scallops with wedges of lemon and glasses of white wine on the side. Scallops are sustainable, delicious, and so easy! Here's how to make quick-cooking scallops on the stovetop in just about five minutes.
Scallops are super easy!
Scallops are not inexpensive (in my area they go for at least $20 a pound), so it can be a little intimidating to cook them. What if you mess up such an expensive dinner?
This is the beautiful thing about scallops, though; once you understand how quickly they are cooked, you'll never mess them up. They take just four to five minutes to cook -- that's it! We'll show you below, step by step, how to do this, but the gist is simple: Sear in an oiled skillet for about two minutes on each side. Done!
Scallops and sustainability
Scallops are almost always a sustainable choice in seafood; they're a safe option in terms of sustainability.
How to time a meal when cooking scallops
Scallops' quick-cooking properties also mean that you should have everything else for your meal ready to go before putting them in the pan. Scallops are the last thing to go on the plate, so have your pasta, sauce, or salad ready and waiting before you cook the scallops.
One of my favorite meals is scallops on top of some creamy pureed vegetables. I'll cook cauliflower or rutabaga, puree it until silky-smooth, and keep it warm in a covered bowl. I'll make a tossed salad, set out warmed plates, and pour the wine. Then, at the last minute, with the table set and candles lit, I'll quickly cook the scallops and plate it all up. They're such a treat -- one of the easiest, nicest meals you can eat at home.
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