How Long Does It Take to Cook Scallops Perfectly?

Seared scallops are one of the most mouth-watering items on a restaurant's seafood menu. But many people do not make seafood at home because they do not know the answer to the question, "How long does it take to cook scallops?" With their signature golden-brown crust, the simple dish is downright delicious regardless of where you eat it. In fact, it is pretty difficult to mess up, but it is possible. If you want to make seared scallops at home do not let the task scare you away - it's easy! You can make scallops just like you see on the plates at expensive restaurants, right in your own kitchen. Stop saving seafood for luxury dining, and experience the pleasure of popping plates of seared scallops into your mouth. Ideal with a dash of oil, and lemon, wine also compliments this easy-to-make seafood.

How Long Do Scallops Take to Cook?

One of the main reasons that people do not make seafood dishes at home is because they assume that it will be too complicated, or difficult. You may also be wondering how long do you cook scallops to know if you would have enough time to make a restaurant-worthy scallops dish at home. You do! In fact, most people do not realize that cooking scallops can be ready in just minutes. If you want to make a very simple, traditional dish with seafood you can use three ingredients to make a full meal with scallops. All you need to make the flavor of sea scallops is salt, pepper, EVOO, and a touch of lemon. Starting with that basic combination of flavors you can learn which tastes work best for your kitchen, friends, and family occasions.  Today, many people think they do not have time to eat healthy, balanced meals, but scallops make it easy to get protein with fresh flavors. The sea scallop is a small white protein-packed addition to any menu however, there are some flavors that work best with this savory seafood. You may not already know that restaurant-quality meals can be ready for eating just 10 minutes after preparing the pan with oil for searing the scallops if you keep your recipe simple. For more complex flavor profiles, or meal planning it can take 15 to 20 minutes, however, when preparing scallops it usually does not take much time to cook. 

How To Make DIY Seared Scallops

Try this recipe for seared scallops used by professional chefs in real seafood restaurants. You may be intimidated by taking on new recipes in the kitchen, but you can make delicious seared scallops with the soft, and chewy texture you love to eat at your favorite restaurants. Using this simple recipe for at-home scallops can save money, and allow you to get creative with different ways to integrate the crispy scallops into your favorite meals, and flavors.  DIY seared scallops are incredible, and they are easy to make at home on the stove. Sustainable, and simple, scallops are a good protein source for your diet and can be fully prepared in under 10 minutes. Try using this recipe to make your scallops seafood restaurants would envy!

DIY Seared Stovetop Scallops Recipe

Use this basic recipe for seared scallops to prepare a stunning seafood dish in under 15 minutes right at home.

You Will Need:

• Searing, or frying pan
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or butter, or alternative
• Metal utensils for turning
• Fresh scallops
• Paper towels
• Cutting board to prepare the scallops 

To Prepare the Scallops:

1. Remove the side muscle of the scallops
2. Pat dry with a towel
3. Lightly dust with salt, and pepper
4. Drizzle olive oil into the pan
5. Increase the heat setting 
6. Place the scallops in the pan, being careful of the hot oil
7. Cook on one side for two minutes, then flip each scallop over

Oven seared scallops are also a simple, and easy way to make seafood at home. If you are wondering, "How long do you cook scallops in the oven?" 

A Note on Timing

One of the best things about cooking scallops is that they are ready so quickly. Many people ask, "How long do you cook scallops in a pan?"  Well ... once you heat the cooking oil or butter, and the pan is hot enough to start cooking the scallops, they can be ready in about 5 minutes with a perfect texture, and flavor. It is common for people making scallops at home to underestimate just how easy they are to cook and fail at timing the entire meal. When you are using seared scallops as part of a larger recipe, make sure that you always plan ahead. You want to place the scallops on the plate last, and because they are the last thing to go on your plate you need to allow yourself enough time to prepare side dishes, and sauces before you start cooking the scallops.  If you are preparing a meal that includes seared scallops for a group of people, or for a gathering you may want to start setting the table while you heat the pan. It will only take a few minutes to fully cook the scallops, and create the crispy outer coating that makes them so tasty. Once you have the table set, you can check on the scallops, and then plate the rest of the meal. As the scallops finish cooking you can light candles, pour wine, and serve other warm plates. Finally, you can plate, and serve the scallops, toasting to your friends, and family before you dig in of course.  There are so many ways you can serve seared scallops. Pair the scrumptious seafood with nearly any recipe for extra protein. If you are able to sear them according to the recipe above, you can use them to top pasta, salads, rice, vegetables, or just eat them with a touch of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and lemon. They are delicious with anything you can think of so go ahead, and use your imagination to develop your own recipes.