Where Do Scallops Come From?

When we take it all the way back to the source, scallops come from 2 sources: the bay and the sea. You can find Bay scallops between Long Island and North Carolina as well as in Northwest Florida between July and October.

Sea scallops, found in deep, cold water, are generally found between Long Island and Virginia. They are significantly larger than their bay counterparts and most likely what would show up on your plate at your local fine dining restaurant.

How To Cook Scallops

Jumbo scallops and other forms of scallops are versatile when it comes to methods of preparing. They can be pan-fried, broiled, or grilled, depending on your liking. There are just a few tips you need to keep in mind:

• Scallops tend to cook quickly. Pan-fried scallops cook at med-high heat and are finished after two minutes per side. Over-cooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
• You should never thaw scallops at room temperature. The best method is to allow them to thaw in the fridge (for several hours or even overnight), or you can rinse with cold water.
• If your scallops aren’t browning the way they do in the pictures, you may have too high of moisture content. Try patting down the scallop with a paper towel to help pull some of the excess water.
• Like any lean protein, you’ll need to cook with butter (or a solid oil substitute) to help increase the fat content and pump up the flavor.

Are Scallops Healthy?

Thanks to their leanness (see above) and loads of antioxidants, they’re considered one of the healthiest seafood proteins available. In addition, scallops are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote heart health and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Scallops are also a high-protein, low-carb food.

Furthermore, scallops are also considered a pregnancy-friendly seafood choice thanks to their low mercury content and high levels of vitamins. It is worth remembering that scallops are mollusks, which puts them in the shellfish category. Anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid scallops.

The majority of the US’s scallops are often imported from Mexico or China, but Domestic Seafood proudly provides customers across the country with the freshest seafood available straight from the East Coast.

Our ultimate goal is to provide the country’s best seafood while practicing the most rigorous safety standards to protect our employees and customers. We’ll provide you with the highest quality scallops so you can put your best “food” forward on that first gourmet scallop dish!