What you purchase in the market are actually the muscle that holds the two shells of the scallop together. Sea scallops are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and should be a translucent beige, creamy color. Some will be slightly pink. (See also Bay Scallops.)
The best quality is "dry" or "dry pack" sea scallops. These are packed in muslin bags and kept on ice.
Because scallops don't live well out of water (as clams or oysters can) they are shucked when caught and kept chilled on board the fishing boat. Day boat scallops are the freshest and are so named because they are delivered to market the day of harvest.
If they are wet or white looking, they have been soaked in water to increase their weight. For years, many scallops have been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). These chemicals help to retain the natural moisture, but in excess, STP promotes the absorption of water into the scallop. This can increase the weight by as much as 25% and makes for a wet gummy scallop. The STP-treated scallops take on a white, opaque appearance and have a bitter chemical flavor. Look for scallops labeled "chemical free."
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a large skillet in the oven.
Rinse the scallops and pat dry with a paper towel. When the pan is hot spray lightly with oil. Place the scallops in the pan and sear on one side for about 4 minutes. Turn and sear for another 4 - 6 minutes depending on the thickness of the scallops. Remove to cool on a paper towel.
Place the teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook gently, stirring frequently. As the shallots soften add the mushrooms and cook until completely softened. If there is much liquid in the pan as the mushrooms cook continue to cook until the mushroom mixture is nearly dry.
Stir in the salt, pepper and thyme and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and as the mushroom mixture cools add the tablespoon of olive oil.
Slice the scallops horizontally into two discs. Sandwich about 2 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture between the slices of scallop. After all of the scallops are done place them in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled topped with the finely chopped red bell pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size = 4 ounces scallops
Servings = 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 212
Calories from Fat 53
% Daily Value
Total Fat 6g
9%
Saturated Fat 1g
4%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 56mg
19%
Sodium 425mg
18%
Total Carbohydrates 8g
3%
Dietary Fiber 1g
3%
Sugars 1g
Protein 31g
Vitamin A 9%
Vitamin C 41%
Calcium 5%
Iron 6%
Vitamin K 4 mcg
Potassium 779 mg
Magnesium 104 mg
Dr. Gourmet Healthy Recipes: Main Course : Mushroom Scallops
