The Absolute Best Way To Tell When Scallops Are Done

First, what is a scallop? Scallops are mollusks, protected by two shells (like clams or oysters), and are harvested from the bottom of the ocean. Delicate, small, and flavor absorbing, scallops are in high demand but are difficult to harvest, making them an expensive purchase at your local seafood market (via NOAA). It can be a little daunting to buy those small morsels knowing that you'll be out a chunk of change if you mess them up. In fact, many people shy away from buying expensive cuts of meat or seafood not because they can't afford it, but because they are afraid of bungling it. Never fear — here you will find out how to tell when your scallops are perfectly done.

Let's identify the two key mistakes when cooking scallops: under-cooking and overcooking. A surefire sign that your scallops are undercooked is the color. They tend to look milky white in hue if you haven't successfully seared them off. Another sign is that they are difficult to cut through (via Answer Pantry). Overcooking scallops makes them difficult to eat, becoming rubbery and difficult to chew. This is because all the moisture has been cooked out of them (via Reluctant Gourmet). So, now that you know what not to look for when cooking your scallops, let's talk about what to look for.