How To Cook Blackened Scallops

If you’re treating yourself to a fancier dinner, or simply looking for a change of pace for your protein source from the typical chicken, beef, and fish you eat, seafood is the perfect choice.

Scallops in particular are a delicious option that are very high in protein and are relatively quick and easy to prepare.  While they are a little higher priced, serving them up once and a while can help you beat diet boredom and give your body plenty of nutrients it needs.

Scallops are very rich in vitamin B12, iodine, phosphorus, selenium, as well as zinc, and magnesium, all nutrients your body needs for optimal function.

So how do you go about preparing this delicious seafood variety? Let’s show you how to make blackened scallops, which is one of the most popular ways to go about cooking this protein source.

How To Prepare Blackened Scallops

To begin with, you’ll need to get a large cast iron skillet.  This is the best pan to use when cooking this seafood and will help the taste come out perfectly.  Keep in mind that in order to cook properly, you need your scallops to be in a very hot environment, allowing them to sear. At the same time though, they also need to be very dry when hitting that hot environment, not wet as they typically are when you purchase them from the store.

So to start, place the grill over high heat and then add in a tablespoon or two of grass fed butter.

Now you want to create a ‘dry rub’ of sorts, combining whatever seasonings and spices you prefer. Options could include paprika, garlic, celery salt, oregano, cayenne pepper, and regular pepper.  Experiment with whatever you prefer and matches your own personal taste preference.

If you don’t want to use any season combination, then simply place your scallops on some paper towel to blot off all the extra moisture.  They need to be as dry as possible before you begin.

If using the spices, blot the scallops and then place them in the mixture, coating both sides.

From here, you’ll want to set them right into the hot pan, flat side down. Make sure that the butter is bubbling, which indicates that it’s hot enough to cook.  Make sure the scallops have enough space between them – too many in the pot at once will take away from the total heat being used and won’t allow them to cook properly.

Once in the pan, let them sit. Don’t touch them or move them around or you’ll stop the searing process.  Cook for a few minutes (the length of cooking time will depend on the thickness of the scallop) and then flip with tongs once you see that they’ve started to form a crust on the bottom of the scallop.

Let cook on the other side for a few minutes and remove when you see that their center is still slightly translucent.  This will help prevent you from overcooking them – something that will quickly ruin a perfectly good scallop.

Serve the scallops immediately.

Other Ways To Cook Scallops

Not in the mood for blackened scallops? Instead, you can consider broiling them or grilling them for two alternative yet highly delicious ways to serve them.

So make sure that you aren’t overlooking this protein source any longer. It’s a tasty treat that you can serve up any day of the week.