Sea Scallop
Placopecten magellanicus
Sea scallops are large, rich, and meaty, with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a firm, silky texture when cooked right. They’re made for quick, high-heat cooking—seared in a pan, grilled, or roasted—where you get a deep golden crust and a just-barely-opaque center.
Range
New Jersey to New England
Method of Capture
Dredge
Seasonality
Year-round with ground closures that force the fishery to move from area to area
Size Range
(6-10 pieces per pound) (10-20 pieces per pound) (20-30 pieces per pound)
Sustainability Consideration:
The U.S. Atlantic sea scallop fishery is widely viewed as a management success story. It’s managed with area rotations, catch limits, gear rules, and regular surveys that have allowed the stock to rebuild and stay productive. Monterey Fish Market focuses on product from well-managed U.S. and Canadian fisheries and on “dry” scallops—without added water or chemicals—so you get clean flavor, good yield, and a responsibly harvested shellfish.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Sweet, rich, and slightly nutty, with clean ocean salinity and no harsh aftertaste
- Texture: Firm yet tender and almost buttery when cooked properly; they should be moist, not mushy or rubbery
A well-seared sea scallop is one of the simplest “luxury” items in seafood.
Seafood Cooking Tips
Sea scallops cook fast—a few minutes per side is usually enough:
- For searing – Pat very dry, season lightly, and sear in a hot pan with a thin film of oil or butter until a deep golden crust forms on one side; flip and finish just until the center is barely opaque.
- On the grill or under the broiler – Skewer or place in a hot grill basket and cook quickly, turning once.
- In pastas or risottos – Sear first, then slice or leave whole and add at the end so they just warm through in the sauce.
Avoid overcooking—once the center turns opaque and just firms up, pull them from the heat.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
