Recipe Series
Bay Scallops
Like clams and oysters, scallops are bivalves (two-shelled mollusks). Scallops are active swimmers, propelling themselves along the ocean floor by clamping their shells together using the muscle called the eye – the part that is eaten.
Because scallops do not close their shells completely, they spoil quickly and are usually shucked before reaching the market. The muscle is iced immediately, and the rest is discarded. Sometimes the roe is left intact, which is a delicacy yet to be appreciated here in the States.
True bay scallops (known as Cape Cod) are rare and very expensive. Most “bay” scallops are Calico scallops, harvested from Mexico and Florida. The most important difference lies in the processing. “Dry” scallops are preferable, as unlike “wet” processed scallops, they have no water or preservatives added. Delicate and sweet, they are a gourmet’s delight for quick sautés and Coquille St. Jacques.
Source
Farmed and wild harvest: Mexico and Florida.
Forms
Shelled muscle.
Taste
Sweet, mild.
Texture
Tender.
Nutrition
.9 g fat per 4 oz
.2 g saturated fat
100 calories
19 g protein
38 mg cholesterol
183 mg sodium
Cooking
Cook quickly on stove top.
Good for gumbos, au gratin.
Recipes
Bay Scallop Seviche
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bay Scallops
- 1/2 Lime Juiced
- 1/2 Lemon Juiced
- 1/2 Orange Juiced
- 4 Scallions Mined, both green & white parts
- 2 tbsp Cilantro
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Romaine Lettuce Leaves Washed
Instructions
- Cut bay scallops in half.
- Combine the scallops with the remaining ingredients(except lettuce)
- Cover and refrigerate ingredients, stirring now and then.
- Scallops are “cooked “ when they are white throughout, which is about 2 hours.
- Serve seviche on a bed of lettuce, which may be used to roll up portions of the fish, fajita style.
Kate’s Pasta with Scallops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup Butter or 1/2 stick
- t tbsp Garlic Minced
- 3/4 lb Bay Scallops
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley Minced
- 1/4 cup Toasted Unseasoned Bread Crumbs
- 1 lb. Linguine
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
- In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil, butter, and garlic over low heat until the garlic turns pale tan, gently shaking the pan occasionally.
- Add the scallops, salt, and pepper, and cook just until the surface of the scallop turns opaque.
- Add half the parsley and the bread crumbs and turn off the heat.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- When it is just about done, reheat the scallops.
- Drain the pasta , toss with sauce,and top with remaining parsley.
- Add a sprinkle of olive oil if the dish seems dry.