You can reshape fresh scallops into a smoky, flavorful delicacy right in your backyard. This smoked scallops recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood to your dinner table easily.
Smoking enhances scallops’ natural sweetness and creates an impressive dish that works well for special occasions or a lifted weeknight dinner. This complete guide helps you create perfectly smoked scallops every time, regardless of your experience with smoking seafood.
The guide shows you how to select the right equipment and ingredients. You will become skilled at the smoking process and find helpful serving suggestions. The nutritional benefits make this dish a worthy addition to your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Try a Smoked Scallops Recipe
Smoked scallops should top your list when you want to expand your seafood cooking skills. These succulent shellfish transform beautifully when smoked. The process creates a perfect balance between their natural sweetness and a delicate smoky flavor.
Brining your scallops brings several benefits to the dish:
- Better flavor and deeper seasoning throughout.
- Better moisture retention during cooking.
- Better tenderness in the final result.
- Superior smoke absorption for that perfect taste.
This cooking method stands out because it’s simple yet gives impressive results. You won’t need much hands-on time compared to traditional searing. The distinctive flavor will make your guests think you’ve become skilled at professional cooking techniques.
Smoked scallops fit perfectly into many different meals. They make elegant party appetizers, shine on antipasti platters, and work great as a main course. The scallops taste amazing in pasta dishes and lift any seafood salad to new heights.
Home cooks love how foolproof this recipe is. The smoking process forgives minor mistakes, but you should watch the cooking time to get that perfect texture. Good timing helps you achieve that sought-after opaque look while keeping the scallops’ naturally tender, buttery texture.
Smoked scallops take on complementary flavors beautifully while keeping their distinctive taste. The smoking process doesn’t mask their natural sweetness – it makes it better. This creates a flavor harmony that other cooking methods rarely achieve. Light sides like dressed salads or herb salsas let these unique flavors shine through.
Read also: Smoked Mullet Recipe
Pro tip: Make extra portions if you’re serving these at a gathering. Many home cooks say their smoked scallops vanish quickly, and families ask for second batches right away. Both seafood lovers and casual diners keep coming back for more, making this dish perfect for any occasion.
Tools and Equipment for the Best Smoked Scallops
You don’t need fancy equipment to start making smoked scallops at home. Let me show you what you’ll need to create this delicious seafood dish.
Essential Equipment:
- A quality food smoker.
- Reliable meat thermometer.
- Paper towels for drying.
- Wire rack and baking sheet.
- Simple seasonings (salt and pepper).
Your smoker is the life-blood of this recipe. You can use a traditional smoker or a Traeger-style grill, but make sure it maintains consistent temperatures. Good temperature control makes all the difference – aim to maintain around 225°F (107°C) to get optimal results.
There’s no compromising on a quality meat thermometer for smoking scallops. It lets you track internal temperature as you cook and gives you perfectly cooked seafood every time. A digital instant-read thermometer works best for quick and accurate readings.
Lighter fruit woods work best to smoke scallops. Cherry or apple wood chips give your food a subtle sweetness that won’t overpower the delicate scallop flavor. Stay away from stronger woods like mesquite that can mask the seafood’s natural taste.
These helpful tools will boost your results:
- A cast iron skillet gives even heat distribution.
- Metal skewers work better than wooden ones since they don’t need soaking.
- A dedicated baking sheet with a wire rack lets air circulate properly.
Set up a clean workspace with running water nearby to rinse the scallops. Keep paper towels close – they help dry the scallops really well before smoking and give you the best results.
Metal skewers with flat, wide blades stop scallops from spinning when turned. If you use wooden skewers, note that they need a 30-minute soak in water to prevent burning.
Temperature control is vital throughout the smoking process. Your smoker should reach 225°F before you begin. A good thermometer helps you stay in this sweet spot, so your scallops absorb just the right amount of smoke without overcooking.
Great smoking isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about using them well. Keep your meat thermometer ready from the start, and let your smoker heat up fully before adding scallops. This attention to detail with your equipment will help you create restaurant-quality food at home.
You may like: Smoked Sardines Recipe
Smoked Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Make amazing smoked scallops with this recipe that brings together fresh seafood flavors, aromatic smoke and bright citrus notes.
Tender sea scallops shine in this recipe with a citrus-garlic butter sauce. The smoking process adds depth while preserving the scallops’ natural sweetness. This combination creates a unique seafood dish your guests will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large dry sea scallops.
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted.
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- Zest and juice of 1/2 small orange.
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or tarragon.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse scallops in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any translucent muscle tissue from the sides.
- Original Smoking: Let your smoker heat up to 165°F for 15 minutes. Season scallops with salt and pepper and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- First Smoke Phase: Set the baking sheet on the grill grates and smoke with the lid closed for 20 minutes.
- Sauce Preparation: Melt butter over medium-low heat while the scallops smoke. Add garlic, orange zest, juice, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Final Cooking: Turn up smoker temperature to 400°F. Brush the orange-butter sauce on scallops and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Flip once until they become opaque and tender.
Notes
– Apple or cherry woods work best for smoking.
– Scallops are ready when they reach 145°F.
– Watch cooking time carefully – overcooked scallops become tough.
– Save some warm sauce for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Smoking
Pro Tip: Dry your scallops completely before smoking them. This technique helps create a golden-brown exterior and keeps the center juicy and tender.
Health Benefits of Smoked Scallops
Smoked scallops not only taste amazing but also provide powerful nutrition that can improve your overall health. These seafood delights rank among the world’s healthiest foods. Their impressive benefits make them a great addition to your meals.
These shellfish give your body an excellent protein boost. Each 100 grams of meat contains up to 20 grams of protein. This helps you build and maintain lean muscle mass. Weight-conscious individuals will appreciate their low calorie count – just 70 calories per 100 grams.
Smoked scallops pack an impressive array of vital nutrients:
- Selenium for immune system support.
- Zinc for brain function.
- Copper for heart health protection.
- Magnesium for bone strength.
- Vitamin B12 for cognitive function.
- Iron for oxygen transport.
Heart Health Benefits Your cardiovascular system improves by a lot with regular scallop consumption. Scallops’ omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. Research shows that proper magnesium levels are vital – studies reveal that low magnesium levels increase the risk of heart disease by up to 54%. [Reference]
Brain Function Support Smoked scallops boost your cognitive health. Their rich content of vitamin B12, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids supports proper brain development and function. These nutrients work together to protect against mental decline and promote overall cognitive health.
Weight Management Advantages Smoked scallops fit perfectly into a weight management plan. The high protein content keeps you satisfied longer, and their low calories support your weight goals. Research shows that scallops’ specific amino acids – taurine and glycine – may help prevent weight gain.
Physical Recovery and Bone Health Scallops’ magnesium content benefits your muscles and bones. This mineral plays a vital role to reduce muscle cramps, repair tissue, and increase muscle strength. You can lower your risk of osteoporosis and other mobility-related conditions with regular consumption.
Immune System Support Scallops’ selenium content maintains a healthy immune system and proper thyroid function. These benefits multiply when combined with other trace minerals like zinc and copper to support your body’s natural defenses.
Note that smoking adds great flavor, but the natural nutrients in these shellfish provide the health benefits. Adding smoked scallops to your diet gives you both a delicious seafood option and a smart choice for your health and wellness.
Nutritional Facts of Smoked Scallops
Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profile of smoked scallops that will help you make smart choices about adding this seafood delicacy to your diet.
A standard 100-gram serving of smoked scallops provides 137 calories. These make an excellent low-calorie protein source. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein that meets almost half of your daily protein needs. [Reference]
This detailed breakdown shows what a 100-gram portion contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24g |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.3g |
| Sodium | 660mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
Smoked scallops pack these essential minerals:
- Selenium: 25.5 micrograms (46% of RDA)
- Zinc: 1.8mg
- Magnesium: 44mg
- Iron: 9mg (50% of daily value)
The fat content consists mainly of healthy fats, with 0.3 grams of polyunsaturated fat and 0.1 grams of monounsaturated fat per serving. You’ll find just 0.3 grams of saturated fat.
These scallops deliver substantial vitamin content, especially with vitamin B12 at 2.5 micrograms per serving. This amount covers much of your daily requirements for this essential nutrient.
The smoking process adds minimal calories to the base nutritional profile. The sodium content varies based on smoking and brining methods. Commercially smoked scallops contain between 230-280mg of sodium.
The macronutrient breakdown follows this pattern:
- Protein: 58% of total calories
- Fat: 38% of total calories
- Carbohydrates: 4% of total calories
People watching their cholesterol should know that smoked scallops contain 40mg of cholesterol per serving. This amount stays moderate compared to other seafood options.
Each serving provides 81mg of calcium to support your daily needs. You’ll also get choline (129.4mg) that supports brain health and metabolism.
These scallops contain zero grams of fiber and zero grams of sugar. This makes them perfect for low-carb and ketogenic diets while delivering key nutrients.
The nutritional values might vary slightly based on smoking methods and added ingredients. Marinades or glazes can change the overall caloric and nutrient content of your final dish.
Read also: Smoked Herring Recipe
Smoked Scallops: Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These expert-backed serving suggestions and perfect pairings will reshape the scene of your smoked scallops into an unmatched dining experience. Your seafood masterpiece deserves a stylish presentation, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning an intimate meal.
Wine Pairing Excellence Your smoked scallops need the perfect wine companion. A white wine with good balance between acidity and weight makes the most harmonious pairing. This guide will help you pick the right one:
| Wine Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Muscadet (lees aged) | Classic pairing for body and structure |
| White Rioja | Excellent with smoky notes |
| Chardonnay | Perfect with butter-seared preparations |
| Chenin Blanc | Complements smoky flavors beautifully |
Red wine lovers shouldn’t feel restricted to whites. Light-bodied reds like Beaujolais can add unique complexity to your smoked scallops while preserving their delicate flavor.
Perfect Side Dish Companions The right sides make your smoked scallops shine. These tested combinations create a well-rounded meal:
- Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Steamed broccoli with lemon
- Sautéed sugar snap peas
- Creamed kale and mushrooms
Several elegant options exist for starches. Creamy mashed potatoes catch every drop of sauce. Forbidden fried rice or flavorful quinoa offer lighter alternatives.
Sauce and Garnish Perfection A citrus and garlic butter sauce boosts your smoked scallops’ natural flavors. Fresh orange zest and chopped parsley add visual appeal and complementary flavors.
Appetizer Presentation Dill crème fraîche pairs with smoked scallops to create a sophisticated appetizer that will wow your guests. Place 2-3 scallops on the sauce, and add lemon zest and sliced caper berries for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Main Course Magic These serving suggestions create main courses that command attention:
- Garlic butter sauce drizzled over pasta or rice topped with smoked scallops
- Fresh spring salad with arugula and light vinaigrette as a bed for scallops
- Air-fried Brussels sprouts paired with scallops for a modern twist
Special Occasion Surf and Turf A perfectly cooked steak alongside your smoked scallops creates an impressive surf and turf for celebratory meals. This combination delivers contrasting textures and flavors.
Light and Fresh Combinations Lighter meal options include serving your smoked scallops with:
- A bright citrus salad.
- Pomegranate and apple combination for contrasting textures.
- Steamed spinach with a light lemon squeeze.
- Minted peas with a touch of truffle oil.
It’s worth mentioning that smoked scallops’ delicate flavor needs complementary rather than overpowering accompaniments. Your scallops’ natural sweetness and smoky notes should take center stage in both simple and complex presentations.
Summer entertaining calls for including your smoked scallops in a seafood-focused menu. Their versatility shines in both appetizer and main course roles, adapting to any dining occasion.
You may like also: Smoked Walleye Recipe
Conclusion
Smoked scallops blend elegant dining with practical preparation. They make an excellent choice for special occasions and upscale weeknight meals. The natural sweetness of scallops gets a delicious boost from careful smoking, which creates a dish that will impress your guests without requiring much hands-on cooking time.
These protein-rich shellfish deliver impressive nutritional benefits in each serving. They support heart health and help with muscle recovery. You’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with simple smoking equipment if you pay attention to temperature control.
Quality scallops and proper smoking temperatures are key to great results. Fresh seafood, a reliable thermometer, and well-chosen sides and wines will make your dish stand out. Once you become skilled at this technique, smoked scallops could become your favorite way to serve seafood at home.
