How to Buy Scallops

Scallops are a wonderful treat for any meal. Scallops come in many shapes and sizes and can be purchased at a variety of places. However, scallop lovers should know few tricks to pick out the perfect scallops before embarking on a cooking expedition. Learn how to buy fresh scallops that are perfect for any meal you are planning. You'll be cooking scallop inspired culinary treats in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine what type of recipe you want to make with your scallops. Search online or through your favorite cook book for a recipe for scallops on your difficulty level that you can make.
2. Decide whether you need to buy the smaller bay scallops or the larger sea scallops. Reference your scallop recipe for information on the correct type of scallop needed.
3. Look in your local phone book for butchers or fish markets that you can visit to shop for the scallops. Visit a bay or fisherman's wharf if you live near a body of water for the freshest scallops available.
4. Look online for websites that will air ship fresh sea scallops to your home. Bear in mind the price of this purchase. Note that scallops are priced according to relative size, so the larger the scallop the bigger the price tag.
5. Visit your local fish market, butcher or website and buy your scallops. Follow the recipe of your choice and enjoy your scallop meal.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the best scallop recipes is to simply sear them in butter over a skillet with a bit of lemon.
• The larger the scallop, the more prominent the texture of the fish will be.
• Pick over the scallops for any excess dirt or shrapnel, picking away any tough white gristle that might be present.
• Be careful not to overcook the sea scallops; they cook very quickly so be mindful of how long they've been on.
• If the scallops smell too strongly, then they are most likely not fresh and should not be consumed.
• Do not undercook scallops as disease can be rampant in this particular bivalve fish.