Breaded and fried scallops are a delicious seafood treat that combines the natural sweetness of tender scallops with a crispy, golden coating. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for seafood lovers who appreciate a flavorful and satisfying bite. The scallops are dipped in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior that gives way to a juicy, succulent center. Serve these breaded scallops as an appetizer or a main course, paired with a zesty dipping sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of coleslaw or fries for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large scallops, cleaned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Scallops:
- Dredge each scallop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the scallop into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process for all scallops.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom to about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of breaded breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden within a few seconds.
- Fry the Scallops:
- Carefully add the breaded scallops to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried scallops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Arrange the breaded and fried scallops on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the scallops.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a simple garlic aioli, and enjoy!
These breaded and fried scallops offer a delightful combination of crispy texture and juicy, sweet scallop flavor. Perfect for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
