We’ve fallen head over heels for Nantucket Bay scallops, those sweet and tender gems harvested from the pristine waters off Massachusetts. Originating from the historic island, they’re a seasonal treat that captures the essence of New England’s coastal bounty, making them perfect for an elegant yet simple meal.
In our recipe, we’ll guide you through preparing these delicate scallops with fresh ingredients that let their natural flavors shine, ensuring a dish that’s both impressive and easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients
As we dive into preparing our Nantucket Bay Scallops recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight their natural sweetness and tenderness. We’ll order these as they’re used in the cooking process, with notes on any necessary prep to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- 1 pound Nantucket Bay Scallops – Freshly sourced from Massachusetts waters; pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Used for searing; we recommend high-quality, chilled butter for a rich, golden crust that enhances the scallops’ delicate flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Added early in cooking; mince just before use for a pungent, aromatic base that complements the scallops without overpowering them.
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped – Prepared alongside garlic; chop finely for even distribution and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the scallops’ brininess.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon – Zest first, then juice; use fresh lemons for bright acidity that balances the richness and brings out the scallops’ oceanic notes.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Chopped right before adding; opt for flat-leaf for its robust flavor, stirred in at the end for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Season as you go; we suggest sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced seasoning that lets the scallops shine without excess.
Required Tools
To prepare our Nantucket Bay Scallops recipe with precision and ease, we rely on a selection of essential tools that enhance safety, efficiency, and flavor. These items help us achieve the perfect sear on the scallops while minimizing prep time. Below, we list the key tools in the order they are typically used, with notes on their importance for this dish.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A heavy-bottomed, non-stick or stainless steel skillet (10-12 inches in diameter) is crucial for searing the scallops. We recommend one that heats evenly to lock in the scallops’ natural sweetness and create a golden crust without sticking.
- Chef’s Knife: This sharp, 8-10 inch knife allows us to mince garlic and finely chop shallots quickly and accurately, ensuring even flavor distribution in our dish.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, wooden or plastic board provides a stable surface for all our prep work, such as zesting lemons and chopping herbs, to maintain kitchen hygiene and efficiency.
- Microplane or Zester: Essential for grating fresh lemon zest, this tool helps us extract the bright, aromatic oils that complement the scallops’ tenderness without adding excess bitterness.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: We use this to extract juice from lemons efficiently, yielding just the right amount to balance the scallops’ sweetness with a fresh, tangy note.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate 1-teaspoon and 1-tablespoon sets ensure precise measurements of ingredients like garlic and salt, helping us achieve consistent results every time.
- Tongs: Long-handled, heat-resistant tongs are vital for flipping and removing the scallops from the hot skillet, preventing breakage and ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
- Serving Platter or Plates: A simple, elegant platter allows us to present our finished Nantucket Bay Scallops beautifully, highlighting their visual appeal and making the meal feel refined.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from ingredient prep to cooking, elevating our recipe to showcase the scallops’ exceptional quality.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing and cooking Nantucket Bay Scallops to highlight their natural sweetness and tender texture.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a seamless process. Start by patting 1 pound of Nantucket Bay Scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for achieving a perfect sear and preventing steaming instead of browning.
- Season the scallops: Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over the scallops to enhance their delicate flavor.
- Prepare the aromatics: Mince 2 cloves of garlic and finely chop 2 shallots to release their pungent aroma, which will complement the scallops’ sweetness.
- Zest and juice the lemon: Use a microplane to zest 1 lemon, yielding about 1 teaspoon of fragrant zest, then juice the lemon to get 2 tablespoons of bright, tangy liquid.
- Chop the herbs: Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for a burst of earthy freshness that adds vibrant color and flavor to the dish.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to the stovetop where the magic happens—searing the scallops to create a golden crust while keeping their centers tender and juicy.
- Heat the skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt and foam, which takes about 1-2 minutes, until it begins to brown slightly for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the scallops.
- Sear the scallops: Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned Nantucket Bay Scallops in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once with heat-resistant tongs, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and release a irresistible, savory aroma.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped shallots, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and softened, being careful not to let them burn and impart a bitter taste.
- Finish with flavors: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle in the fresh lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle the chopped parsley. Gently toss to coat the scallops, allowing the citrusy brightness to awaken their natural sweetness and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Serve
To showcase the scallops’ tender perfection, we focus on plating that emphasizes their visual appeal and sensory delight.
- Plate the dish: Transfer the seared Nantucket Bay Scallops to an elegant serving platter, arranging them neatly to highlight their golden exteriors and glossy sheen.
- Garnish and enhance: Sprinkle any remaining lemon zest and parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh aroma, elevating the presentation and adding a final layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the scallops while hot, savoring their succulent texture and the way the buttery sear contrasts with the zesty, herbaceous notes—pair with a simple side like steamed greens or crusty bread to complement their refined taste.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Nantucket Bay Scallops recipe with you
as it highlights the joy of simple coastal cooking.
It’s a dish that brings fresh flavors to your table effortlessly.
Our hope is that you’ll make it a staple in your kitchen
elevating everyday meals with its elegant taste.
Dive in and savor the experience we’ve crafted for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nantucket Bay scallops and why are they special?
Nantucket Bay scallops are small, sweet, and tender shellfish harvested from the clean waters of Massachusetts. They’re prized for their delicate flavor and texture, making them a highlight of New England’s coastal cuisine. Unlike larger sea scallops, these are seasonal and offer a refined taste that’s perfect for simple, elegant meals.
When are Nantucket Bay scallops in season?
These scallops are typically in season from October to March, peaking in late fall and winter. This period ensures the best freshness and quality, as they’re sourced from cold, clean waters. Check with local suppliers for the most accurate availability to enjoy them at their sweetest.
What ingredients are needed for the Nantucket Bay scallops recipe?
You’ll need 1 pound of fresh Nantucket Bay scallops, unsalted butter for searing, minced garlic, chopped shallots, fresh lemon juice and zest, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper. These high-quality ingredients enhance the scallops’ natural sweetness while keeping the recipe simple and flavorful.
What tools are essential for preparing this recipe?
Key tools include a heavy-bottomed skillet for searing, a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for prep, a microplane for lemon zest, a citrus juicer, measuring spoons, heat-resistant tongs, and a serving platter. These items ensure safe, efficient cooking and help achieve a perfect sear.
How do I cook Nantucket Bay scallops to perfection?
Pat the scallops dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with butter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Add minced garlic, shallots, lemon juice, and zest, then finish with parsley. Cook quickly to keep them tender—serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
Pair the scallops with simple sides like steamed greens, crusty bread, or a light salad to complement their sweetness. For an elegant touch, arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This dish shines on its own but pairs well with white wine for a complete meal.