Scallops are a popular seafood option due to their easy preparation. Because you can whip up a tasty scallop meal in under ten minutes, it has become a common choice for many people.
A core aspect of getting the best out of your scallops is cleaning them to rid them of dirt and grit, which usually accompanies harvested seafood.
Quick answer: You should soak scallops in milk to completely rid them of dirt, grit, and fish odor.
Is soaking scallops in the water a better option? Continue reading to discover everything there is to know about soaking scallops in water.
Why Should I Soak Scallops In Milk?
The first resort to cleaning scallops will be to rinse them with water. Although water will aid in removing dirt, it may be ineffective if your scallops have a mild fish odor. Milk is an excellent cleaning agent for scallops.
Below are reasons you should soak your scallops in milk before cooking:
1. Milk Serves as a Tenderizing Agent For Scallops
Milk is effective in tenderizing frozen scallops. Frozen scallops are always tough when thawed. Soak your scallops in a bowl of milk for about an hour to quicken the thawing process of your scallops and eliminate fish odor. After soaking for an adequate amount of time, the result will be fresh, tender, and scallops void of fish odor.
2. Eliminates Mild Fish Odor From Your Scallop
Milk will eliminate the fish odor from frozen scallops or scallops harvested for an extended period. Usually, fresh scallops will not have any fish odor.
3. It Helps Remove Sand or Grit
Soaking your scallops in milk will result in scallops free of sand or grit. When you soak scallops in milk for a while, the caked sand on the scallops disintegrates, resulting in a clean scallop.
How To Soak Scallops In Milk
Soaking scallops in milk is a simple task that does not necessitate elaborate procedures. To get the most out of your scallop soak, Take the following steps:
- Rinse your scallops in cold water.
- Choose a deep bowl that can hold all the scallops.
- Pour milk over the scallops until they are completely submerged.
- Check that the bowl is properly sealed.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator.
How To Preserve Scallops From Fish Odor
Fresh scallops should not have a fishy odor. However, even if you purchase fresh scallops with no foul smell, if they are not preserved, they will develop fish odor within a short period.
The following are tips for storing scallops:
- Purchase fresh scallops from a store that uses safe seafood handling techniques. Fresh scallops will be moist with no brown edges or odor. Avoid buying scallops that have a dull color and a slimy texture.
- Scallops not cooked immediately should be stored in a refrigerator or refrigerator, depending on the number of days. Scallops not used within two days should be frozen.
- Avoid storing your scallops in the refrigerator’s door. The temperature at the refrigerator door fluctuates, causing your scallops to spoil. They should be kept in the bottom of your freezer or the body of your refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable.
- Scallops kept in a broken freezer or refrigerator will spoil quickly.
Tips In Making Scallops
We have provided these cooking tips to help you enjoy your scallops:
- Avoid cooking scallops with a strong fish smell to get the most out of your scallops.
- Never thaw frozen scallops in the microwave because they will cook and become rubbery.
- If you plan to sear your scallops after soaking them in milk, allow the milk to dry to avoid oil splattering.
- Avoid overcooking your scallops to prevent them from becoming rubbery and tough.
- Cut large scallops in half to allow them to cook thoroughly.
- Season your scallops and marinate them to enhance their flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does milk tenderize scallops?
Milk contains calcium and lactic acid that breaks down protein and collagen fibers in scallops, causing them to be tender after a deep soak.
Should you always soak scallops in milk?
No, you should not always soak your scallops in milk, especially if they were freshly purchased and lack fish odor.
How long can you soak scallops in milk?
You can soak scallops in milk for about an hour to completely rid them of dirt, grit, and odor.
Can you soak scallops in milk overnight?
No, you cannot soak scallops in milk overnight unless kept in a refrigerator.
Final Note
A scallop meal can be delicious if properly cooked and seasoned.
Because scallops can be broiled, grilled, seared, poached, or roasted, kindly let us know which method you prefer.