Scallops, a type of shellfish, can be prepared in various ways. Broiled scallops are those that have been cooked in an oven in which the heat source comes from above the food. Several recipes exist for broiled scallops, with most of the variation occurring in the marinades and seasonings. Despite these differences, the actual method of broiling the scallops themselves is fairly common in all recipes.
Scallops are a type of shellfish popular in a multitude of cooking styles and cuisines. As a food, scallops are high in protein and relatively low in fat when compared to other meats. Common methods of preparation include baking, frying, grilling and broiling. Usually, the scallops are cooked with seasonings, glazes or marinades that complement the flavor of the scallop or the overall flavor of the dish.
Broiling is a method of cooking similar to grilling. Unlike grilling, which heats food by convection with a heat source under the food, broiling heats food by convection with a heat source above the food. Many ovens have a broiler setting that allows the chef to heat food in the oven via a heating element placed on the oven’s inner ceiling.
Broiling scallops is a convenient method of cooking scallops, because it only requires a broiling pan and an oven. Broiled scallops can be prepared quickly; most recipes can be prepared and cooked within 20 minutes. Broiling can substitute for grilling if a grill is not readily available.
The cooking times for broiled scallops may depend on the size of the scallops used by the chef. Small scallops tend to cook much faster than large scallops because of their surface area. Many recipes in cookbooks and on the Internet provide estimates for the required cooking time as determined by the size of the scallop in the recipe.
Popular marinades and seasonings for broiled scallops include honey, lemon, Cajun seasonings, wine, garlic, onion, soy sauce and pepper. Butter, margarine and olive oil are often used as a coating, because broiling can remove some of the scallop’s natural moisture. When preparing broiled scallops, a chef may choose marinades and seasonings that complement the taste of other foods served with the meal. Broiled scallops can be cooked and served alongside various other foods. Wrapping scallops in thin slices of bacon before broiling, for example, imparts some of the bacon’s flavor to the scallop while providing additional fat for cooking.