One of the easy-to-cook seafood that’s a good source of protein is the scallop. All you need is adequate searing heat and a large surface for spacing out the scallops. And the top flat top grill indoor equipment ticks all those conditions.
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Why Cook Scallops On a Flat Top Grill?
There are two main reasons why it is convenient to cook scallops on a flat top grill. Scallop needs adequate spacing (about an inch) from one another.
A large flat top grill provides adequate space for each scallop and so making up for perfect searing. It also allows you to prepare a large volume of scallops at ago.
At the same time, the scallops require a precise high temperature. A flat top grill makes it easy to achieve such a high heat level.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Scallops On a Flat Top Grill?
Scallop cooks very fast just like when preparing shrimp on a flat top grill[how to cook shrimp on a flat top grill]. Apart from the preparation time, it takes about 5 minutes for both sides to cook.
What is the Best Temperature for Cooking Scallops on a Flat Top Grill?
Scallops require a medium-high heat setting to sear. That’s approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
When Cooking Scallops On a Flat Top Grill, How Do You Know it’s Done?
On average it cooks in about 5 minutes. But the best method is to take note of the changes in color and firmness. A scallop that is fully cooked grows firm and opaque.
In addition, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. If the internal heat level hits 130 degrees Fahrenheit it means it’s done. But if you overcook the scallop it grow tough and chewy.
What Kind of Oil Do You Use When Cooking Scallops On a Flat Top Grill?
Remember Scallops cook at a high temperature. So you need the cooking oil with a high smoking point. Besides, it should also have a neutral taste. For those reasons, clarified butter or grapeseed oil becomes a viable option to consider.
What Preparations Do You Need Before Cooking Scallops on a Flat Top Grill?
The key preparations include rinsing and pat drying to remove excess moisture. In addition check on the side if its muscle tissue is still intact. If present, pinch it between your fingers and pull it out.
Can You Cook Frozen Scallops On a Flat Top Grill?
The frozen scallop is easy to cook once it has thawed. Fortunately, there are several ways to go about it.
For a quick fix, place it in a Ziploc bag, drive out the air and run cold water on the same bag for approximately fifteen minutes.
But if you have time, sandwich the scallop between several paper towels. Then place the sandwiched scallop on a tray and keep it in the fridge for about thirty minutes or even overnight.
How to Cook Scallops On a Flat Top Grill?
Remove from the Fridge
If the scallop had been in the fridge, then you need to remove it approximately 30 minutes before cooking time. Such a duration allows the seafood to attain room temperature. But do not place it in a warm place or sunlight.
Part Dry
Next, part dry the scallops to drive away the traces of water. Excess moisture will hinder them from developing the tasty crust.
Season the Scallops
Season the scallops by sprinkling some kosher salt and pepper on top.
Preheat the Flat Top Grill
The next step is to preheat the flat top grill over a medium-high heat setting for about 5 minutes. That means you set it at a temperature of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When a drop of water rolls on the griddle, it means it has preheated.
Add Grapeseed Oil
Add a light coat of grapeseed or canola oil to the hot flat-top grill. If it starts to smoke, it means the temperature s just right.
Load the Scallops
Load the scallops carefully onto the smoking oil on the flat cooking surface. Ensure that the seasoned side faces down.
For that process, you can use a pair of tongs. Ensure that each has its own space and that they don’t overcrowd the flat top grill.
Ensure that each scallop touches the canola or grapeseed oil. Leave them undisturbed for about 2 minutes or until they develop a crust.
In the beginning, the scallop may stick to the flat cooking surface. But once it has caramelized and turned golden brown, it detaches from the surface and is easy to turn.
Before flipping, season the side facing up. You can also add a light layer of hot canola oil on the uncooked side.
Flip Over
When the first side has developed crust, flip the scallops over one by one. A pair of tongs is ideal for the job. If it doesn’t free easily from the griddle, it means it hasn’t caramelized. Give it a couple of more seconds.
Still, ensure that they don’t make a pile. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remember scallops take a very short time to cook. So if you are in doubt about whether it is done or not, check the internal temperature with an instant thermometer. It should read a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serve While Hot
After confirming that it’s done, remove it from the flat top grill without wasting more time. You can place them on a plate lined with a paper towel for a few seconds. You can serve it alongside noodles previously cooked on a flat top grill[ how to cook noodles on flat top grill].
Conclusion
Except for the preparation which takes about half an hour, cooking scallops requires about 5 minutes. And a flat top grill provides a large surface to spread out the seafood. Besides it also gives out high heat intensity that enables the scallops to caramelize fast. But don’t forget to clean your flat top grill[ how to clean a flat top grill] after cooking the scallops.