tinkerbelle, my friend loves them, they do smell lovely, but I am not a great seafood fan either, so I haven't tried them yet!.......really want to be brave enough though, they smell so good, we're out for lunch this weekend and so I think I'll go for it!..........will let you know!.................lol...............
Here in the U.S., there are two kinds of scallops available... one is the sea scallop and are fairly large, while the other is called bay scallops and they're much smaller.
The sea scallops have a taste (at least to me) somewhere between lobster and crab... they are fairly tender if boiled in liquids such as Cioppino and they have a mild taste. However, if they're fried, or broiled they become somewhat tough... not bad, just a stronger texture.
The smaller bay scallops are fit only for frying quickly, a little salt and pepper and the using on a fresh salad. Don't much like them and they do taste fishy...
They are lovely, tinkerbell, and very versatile - we have them with black pudding and chili sauce. You can buy them in little frozen packets from places like Morrisons, if you fancy giving them a try.
Scallops are not fishy - do not overcook them - literally a minute to 90 secs a side and let them rest......they get very rubbery if you overcook them. Bit like prawns etc as to overcooking.
Drain the scallops and leave them in the colander or sieve until you are ready to cook them. Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan until it is almost at smoking point. Put in the scallops and spread them out evenly. Immediately add the ginger, garlic and chillies. Toss and level out again. Dont stir as this will reduce the temperature in the pan, causing the scallops to give off their juices and become rubbery.
Toss again and add the ground spice and a few twists of fresh black pepper or chipotle pepper. Stir briefly to mix everything then taste (and add salt if necessary). Toss in the fresh coriander (chives or Italian flat parsley). The scallops should be cooked for only 2 minutes. Serve immediately with the juices that the scallops will now have given off. Toasted brioche and green salad make good accompaniments.
Tip: Coriander is a delicate herb and must be chopped carefully with a very sharp knife. If you go over repeatedly with the knife as for chopping parsely it will bruise and turn black. Can substitute snipped fresh chives or finely chopped flat parsley.
They can be like rubber if overcooked. They are best done really simply - lightly seared and served with a little soy sauce so as not to detract from the flavour
Mmmmm DT thay sounds right up my street! Oooh welsh im same i fancy cooking em at home and seeing what theyre like i bet i like them....this year im trying new foods why is it so scary hahahaha thanks guys i think ill get em from morrisons then and dts recipie sounds deeeeelish!! Xx
King scallops are on special offer in Morrisons at the moment - £17.99 a kilo instead of £19.99, if you have a fresh fishmonger in store. I just bought 6 when we wanted to try them, cost me £3.60, Mr Jules not too keen, so probably won't buy them again, but I may have them again when I am out.
scallops are food of the gods, i absolutely love them. to me they have the sweetness of scampi but are very soft and tender if not overcooked. they go really well with bacon - cut up some bacon and fry till quite crispy then add the scallops and do them for about a minute either side.
The first time I ate them they were literally straight from the sea and put in boiling water and we ate them straight away. They were the best thing I have ever eaten and they did have a seafood taste but were exquisite. When I have had them since they just don't taste the same so I was really disappointed.