Sea Scallops: Health Benefits and Cooking Tips
Sea scallops belong to the shellfish family. They have a translucent white color, a soft but distinct flavor, and a slightly sweet scent that reminds of the ocean. Scallops that smell fishy are no longer fresh and must be discarded. By themselves, the sea scallops have little calories and rich stores of healthy nutrients.
Sea scallops come in different sizes, some of the smaller ones weighing about 1/4 ounce and the bigger ones, as heavy as 1 ounce. For each 3.5-ounce serving of steamed sea scallops, you get around 110 calories. While low in fat, it is rather high in cholesterol at about 41 milligrams for a serving of about 3.5 ounces. It also has high amounts of protein - up to 20 grams for every serving.
Vitamins
Sea scallops are abundant in vitamins, especially vitamin B-12, which helps the body produce DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and red blood cells, and maintain good nerve and cellular function. They also contain vitamin B6, which plays a role in brain development as well as healthy nervous and immune system functions; and antioxidant vitamins A and E, which help protect your body against cellular damage.
Minerals
A single serving of sea scallops meets bout 17 percent of your daily iron RDA and 12 percent of your daily calcium RDA. Inside the body, iron assists in delivering oxygen via the blood. It also makes the immune system stronger, promotes good cognitive development, and controls body temperature. Calcium works in several ways within the body, such as ensuring proper secretion of hormones, and good nerve function and muscle activity. Read more here about scallop meat.
How to Cook Sea Scallops Right
Protein-rich scallops need to be cooked fast but carefully so as to achieve the ideal texture. Otherwise, overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. While raw scallops are translucent in color, they become more opaque as they cook. It is important to keep an eye on the scallops while being cooked. The moment they become opaque, they must be taken off the heat instantly. You can sear them using olive oil in a pan (a minute or two for each side). Scallops are also great for grilling or broiling, but never for longer than five minutes. It is important to turn the skewer continuously to avoid overcooking any side. You can season your scallops with just salt, pepper and herbs to enjoy its pure, natural flavor. You can also cook with a whole lot of other ingredients, such as cheese, butter and cream, but do so sparingly to keep the dish healthy. For more information, click on this link: https://www.britannica.com/topic/seafood.
