Seafood is quite healthy and tasty. However, there are risks that are associated with seafood if there is a problem in handling, preparation, as well as storage. You might realize that most seafood, such as scallops, are served and enjoyed as raw. Have you tried scallops? Can you eat scallops raw? If you have not tried raw scallops before, you do not have to worry. There are many discussions about eating raw scallops.
It is always unclear if eating raw scallops is a good idea. Some people think it is okay, some think it is a bad idea. Nevertheless, there are good reasons for both points of view. We are going to look deeper into this point and learn what there is about eating scallops raw.
Eating Raw Scallops
The fact of the matter is, yes you can eat them raw. To be honest, when you compare raw scallops vs. cooked, the raw types are enjoyed more. There are also several ways to enjoy raw scallops.
Scallops are mollusk, which means that they are a great source of protein and meat. Nevertheless, they can be enjoyed raw, which is the way most people who love seafood enjoy them. The adductor is eaten alone in most cases. When eating them raw, the roe or caviar is discarded.
So, assuming you want to try out the raw version, how should you go about it?
Enjoying Raw Scallops
What do raw scallops taste like? Well, the taste you get from the raw scallop usually depends on the way you decide to prepare it.
Most of the fishermen say that you can enjoy some raw scallops immediately after you harvest it without any additions, including seasoning.
However, some people would prefer seasoning it using some olive oil coupled with a bit of salt and some lemon juice.
Carpaccio is a common way of serving raw scallops. It is an Italian method of preparing the scallops. It has been around for quite a while. Preparing this dish is quite easy. It would only take around 5 minutes. You need to slice the scallops into thin slices. You should then choose the appropriate dressing or vegetable combination.
The most important part is the scallops. Do not add excessive sauce. Only add a bit on the scallops. You cannot mess this up in any way. The only problem that would arise would have to do with contaminated scallops.
Are frozen scallops safe to eat raw? The most important thing you need to look out for is freshness. You can tell if a scallop is fresh using these simple, yet extremely efficient methods.
If the scallops are live, they should not smell bad. Instead, they should have a watery and fresh smell. Secondly, they should close once you touch them.
You might not always get live scallops. So, if they have been shucked, this is what you should expect.
They should have a firm and dry feel like beef or pork. They should also have a fresh smell or none at all. They might also have a range of colors that would range from light pink to light orange.
Risks Involved in Eating Raw Scallops: Can You Get Sick from Uncooked Scallops?
Scallops usually grow in points where rivers meet with oceans or seas. In most situations, a river will have some runoff, which might be from raw sewage, or water treatment plants.
Why would that be a problem? Well, scallops will usually feed on some of the microorganisms that are available in such waters. If you eat raw scallops, the pathogens or parasites might be transferred to you. So, to answer the question, you can get sick. There are certain threats such as E. Coli, Salmonella, as well as Cholera.
When you cook your scallops, you will destroy viruses, bacteria, as well as pathogens. Nevertheless, the medium-rare and rare items might still hold them.
You should know that this problem is present for any type of mollusks and is not just exceptional for scallops.
To avoid this problem, it is a good idea to harvest all these from some safe waters, especially if you want to eat them raw. Contaminated scallops are a reality, even though it is a rare occurrence, considering how expensive they are and how risky it would be for the producers to produce contaminated food.
Cooking Scallops
Imagine this, you cook scallops, only for them to shrink extremely fast and burn on the outside. After leaving them on the pan for a longer period, you note that they burn and shrivel, but still maintain a raw middle part, cold insides, and fishy taste. So, what would be wrong? Are scallops supposed to be raw in the middle when cooked?
The important parts of cooking the scallops are quick-cooking coupled with high heat levels. A couple of minutes will be perfect.
So, you would require to remove them from your fridge around 30 minutes before cooking them. You should then heat some olive oil on a pan, waiting until sizzling starts. You should then season your scallops and place them on your pan without moving them for 1.5 minutes. They will develop an amazing crust. After you notice the crust, you can turn them and allow them to cook for 90 seconds more.
How do you tell if a scallop is done? When the scallops are done, they will have a tender crust formed on both sides. They are ready to serve with your chosen recipe.
In a nutshell,
Can you eat raw scallops? You can prepare scallops for friends and family in different ways. Some people would enjoy some raw scallops, while some would prefer to have cooked scallops. Regardless, the best way to enjoy them will depend solely on you and your preferences. Enjoy!
Also, read:
- What is the Steelhead Trout and Salmon
- Can Potatoes Be Eaten Raw?
- Do Baby Bella Mushrooms Need To Be Cooked?
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