Steamed Sea Scallops
Placopecten magellanicusClinical Encyclopedia
Steamed sea scallops are a delicacy known for their tender texture and sweet flavor. They are low in calories and high in protein, making them a nutritious seafood option.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Steam scallops for 3-5 minutes until opaque and tender. Serve with lemon or herbs for enhanced flavor.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose scallops that are firm, moist, and have a fresh ocean smell. Avoid those with a strong fishy odor.
Store scallops in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume them within 1-2 days for best quality.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
Promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
"Scallops can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, allowing them to escape predators."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Lemon Herb Steamed Sea Scallops
Delicate sea scallops steamed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon for a light and refreshing dish.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Place the scallops in a steamer basket and drizzle the herb mixture over them.
- 3. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until they are opaque and tender. Serve immediately.
Scallop and Quinoa Salad
A nutritious salad featuring steamed scallops and protein-rich quinoa, tossed with fresh vegetables.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Rinse quinoa and cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- 2. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Top with scallops and serve.
Spicy Ginger Scallops with Asparagus
Steamed scallops paired with tender asparagus and a spicy ginger sauce for a flavorful kick.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 1. Mix ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and salt in a small bowl.
- 2. Steam the asparagus for 3-4 minutes, then add scallops and steam for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Drizzle the ginger sauce over the scallops and asparagus before serving.
Coconut Curry Scallops
A creamy coconut curry sauce envelops steamed scallops, creating a rich and exotic dish.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, and fish sauce, and bring to a simmer.
- 2. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- 3. Serve scallops topped with the coconut curry sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Garlic Butter Scallops with Spinach
Steamed scallops tossed in a light garlic butter sauce with fresh spinach for a quick and healthy meal.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- 2. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until opaque, then add them to the skillet with spinach.
- 3. Toss everything together until spinach is wilted, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Mediterranean Scallop Skewers
Flavorful skewers of steamed scallops, bell peppers, and zucchini, drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Thread scallops, bell pepper, and zucchini onto skewers.
- 2. Steam the skewers for 8-10 minutes until scallops are cooked through.
- 3. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before serving.
Scallop and Avocado Tartare
A fresh and elegant tartare made with steamed scallops and creamy avocado, perfect as an appetizer.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until opaque, then chop into small pieces.
- 2. In a bowl, combine scallops, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Serve chilled as a tartare on a plate or in a small glass.
Asian-Style Scallop Lettuce Wraps
Light and crunchy lettuce wraps filled with steamed scallops and a savory Asian-inspired sauce.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 head butter lettuce (leaves separated)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- 2. In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce and rice vinegar.
- 3. Fill each lettuce leaf with scallops, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Scallop and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful stir-fry featuring steamed scallops and a variety of fresh vegetables for a healthy meal.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Steam the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- 2. Add the scallops and steam for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Toss with soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper before serving.
Herbed Scallop and Cauliflower Purée
Creamy cauliflower purée serves as a base for tender steamed scallops, garnished with fresh herbs.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, then blend with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 2. Steam the scallops for 5-7 minutes until opaque.
- 3. Serve scallops over cauliflower purée and garnish with chives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are steamed sea scallops healthy?
Yes, they are low in calories and high in protein, making them a healthy seafood choice.
How should I cook scallops?
Steaming, grilling, or sautéing are popular methods to cook scallops.
What do scallops taste like?
Scallops have a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture.
How can I tell if scallops are fresh?
Fresh scallops should smell like the ocean and have a firm texture.
Can I eat scallops raw?
While some people eat raw scallops, it is recommended to cook them to avoid foodborne illness.
What are the nutritional benefits of scallops?
Scallops are high in protein, low in fat, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
How long do cooked scallops last in the fridge?
Cooked scallops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Are scallops sustainable?
Sustainability varies by source; look for certified sustainable seafood options.