Preparing Pan-Fried Scallops

pan-fried scallops
Copyright: joannawnuk

For a healthy-yet-special starter, try our easy pan-fried scallops with a squeeze of zesty lime and a sprinkling of chilli and coriander. Can also be added to a special salad as well.

Preparing Scallops From The Shell

If you are taking scallops out of their shell then it is best to hold the scallop with one hand at the hinge so that when a knife is used you don’t cut yourself in prizing open the two parts of the shell. Usually, you run a sharp knife along the inner part of the shell to cut the muscle as close to the shell surface as possible. The best angle of attack is to hold the scallop with the shell facing downwards and then cut the muscle with a sharp slice downwards. Open up the scallop. Remove the white meat which looks like a medallion and appears roughly the same size. The remaining part which includes the membrane and guts are discarded. Each scallop is washed in water to remove grit but only briefly so that it doesn’t pick up extra moisture. The scallop can be patter dry if needs be and put on a work surface or plate ready for further preparation.

Recipe For Pan-Fried Scallops

Serves: 2; Preparation time: 10-15 minutes; Cooking time: 2 minutes: Total time: 12-17 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 scallops
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh red chilli (optional)
  • 2 large chopped garlic cloves
  • juice of half a lime
  • roughly chopped cilantro/coriander
  • salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. Fry the scallops in the olive oil in a skillet for about 1 min until golden on their surface. If you are doing a number, just place a plate on them to ensure they are contacting the pan surface, remove the plate then flip them over and sprinkle over the garlic cloves and chopped fresh red chilli into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute more, then squeeze over the juice of the lime. The scallops should have a light brown and slightly caramelised colour on the two flat surfaces. Don’t worry about the edge of what looks like a fat rubber coin because it will be cooked enough.
  2. Sprinkle with roughly chopped coriander and salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
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