A bowl of freshly boiled whole scallops garnished with lemon wedges and parsley

Luscious Lemon-Boiled Whole Scallops

Name: Luscious Lemon-Boiled Whole Scallops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: seafood
Ingredients: 12 pieces whole fresh scallops (in shell, cleaned); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 liter water; 1 tbsp sea salt; 6-8 pieces black peppercorns (optional); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Home Page / Boiling Recipes / How to Boil Scallops

easy

4 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories110kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat1.5gram

Protein20gram

Ingredients

Quantity

whole fresh scallops (in shell, cleaned)12 pieces
fresh lemon juice2 tbsp
water1 liter
sea salt1 tbsp
black peppercorns (optional)6-8 pieces
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)1 tbsp

This easy recipe for boiling whole scallops with lemon brings out their natural sweet flavor and tender texture. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can enjoy succulent scallops at home. The method ensures food safety by guiding you to the proper internal temperature (63°C/145°F), so your scallops are perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Total ingredient cost is approximately $15 (13€, 11£, 1200₹) for 4 servings, with each serving containing about 110 calories. This dish is low-fat and ideal for a pescatarian diet. The recipe is easy to prepare, requiring only 15 minutes of active cooking time and 5 minutes of preparation. Enjoy this light and elegant seafood treat any day of the week!

Preparation instructions

Prepare scallops

1Rinse the whole scallops gently under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Use a soft brush if needed. This step ensures the scallops are clean and safe to eat.

Boil water with seasoning

2In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add sea salt, black peppercorns, and fresh lemon juice. The lemon enhances flavor and helps maintain the scallops' tenderness.

Add scallops to boiling water

3Carefully place the whole scallops into the boiling water. Ensure the water covers them completely for even cooking.

Cook scallops

4Boil the scallops vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Start timing once the water returns to a boil after adding the scallops. Cooking for this time ensures the scallops reach an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F), making them safe to eat while tender.

Drain and serve

5Use a slotted spoon to remove scallops from the water. Drain well, place in a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness and color.

Cooking Tips

1Use fresh scallops from a reliable seafood market. Choose ones that smell fresh like the sea, not fishy or sour.

2Avoid overcooking scallops as they become rubbery. Precisely 3-4 minutes of boiling yields a tender and juicy result.

3Use a food thermometer to check scallops if unsure. Insert into the thickest part; 63°C (145°F) confirms safe cooking.

4If you don’t have whole scallops, you can use scallop meat but adjust boiling time to 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking.

5Add herbs like dill or thyme to the boiling water for a different aroma and flavor.

Equipment

Large pot
Slotted spoon
Measuring spoons
Lemon juicer (optional)
Food thermometer (optional)
Serving dish

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole fresh scallops (12 pieces) — Approx. $12. Choose scallops with a fresh ocean smell and no discoloration.
[ ] Fresh lemons (1-2 lemons) — Approx. $1. Choose firm lemons with bright yellow skin.
[ ] Sea salt (1 tbsp) — Approx. $0.50. Kosher salt or sea salt is preferable for better flavor.
[ ] Black peppercorns (optional, small pack) — Approx. $1. Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor.
[ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) — Approx. $0.75. Choose bright green parsley without wilting leaves.

Total approx. cost: $15

FAQ

How do I know when scallops are fully cooked when boiling?

Fully cooked scallops become opaque and firm yet tender. Using a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Boiling for 3-4 minutes usually achieves this.