How to find the right Scallops AI guide

What the AI looks for in Scallops

Dry vs wet

Buy 'dry' scallops; avoid 'wet' scallops treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) Wet scallops are soaked to hold water, so they will not sear and they shrink in the pan.

Count per pound

U10 means under 10 scallops per pound; higher counts mean smaller scallops The count tells you the size, and U10 to 10/20 is the usual range for searing.

Sea vs bay

Sea scallops are large and suited to searing; bay scallops are small and sweet for quick sautés These are different species with different cooking uses.

Previously frozen

Check for 'previously frozen' and do not refreeze Most scallops sold as fresh have been thawed, and refreezing damages the texture.