how do I prevent scallops from stewing in their own juice?

Question

even though I dry the scallops and have a hot pan, they stew in their own juice, what am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

cook them on the grill so the juices drip off or use a raised ridge grill pan to sear them

Answer 2

Actually, this is a good question.
One of the things that causes it is the scallops having been previously frozen, but even when I buy ones that weren't, it often happens to a degree (even though I have the pan hot, and don't crowd them or use a lid, and even flour them lightly and use oil or butter).

(I assume you're asking about sea scallops though.. not sure if many bay scallops will saute well.)

I think at least part of it just depends on the quality of the scallops too (for leaking juice, as well as just for achieving a good cooked texture), and maybe the time of year, etc.

Would love to know more though. . .


Diane B.

Answer 3

There are a couple of things you could try - bigger pan/fewer scallops per pan (gives more surface area to allow juices to evaporate), go for a higher heat, or try dusting them with some flour first.

Answer 4

remove them from shell fry off quickly in small amount of olive oil ,mmm tastes good

Answer 5

add starch man, ADD STARCH! lol