Crispy Beer-Battered Bay Scallops
Indulge in the delectable taste of Crispy Beer-Battered Bay Scallops, a delightful dish perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a cozy night in. These succulent bay scallops are coated in a light and flavorful beer batter, resulting in a golden brown exterior that perfectly contrasts with their tender bite. Serve them with a side of cocktail sauce, fried okra, or a baked potato for a satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Low in cholesterol and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
2
Servings
250
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bay scallops
1/2 lb (rinsed and drained)
self-rising flour
1 cup (split in half)
self-rising yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup (none)
beer
1 can (none)
hot sauce
5-6 dashes (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
oil
for frying (none)
Instructions
1
Rinse the bay scallops thoroughly under cold water and lay them on a towel to dry. Pat them gently to remove excess moisture.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of self-rising flour, yellow cornmeal, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Gradually add beer, stirring until you achieve a batter consistency slightly thinner than pancake batter.
3
In a zip-top plastic bag, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Carefully add the dry scallops to the bag, seal, and shake to coat them evenly in flour.
4
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying by testing it with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle.
5
Dip each floured scallop into the beer batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and then gently place them into the hot oil, frying in batches as necessary to avoid overcrowding.
6
Fry the scallops for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the scallops from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7
Serve your crispy beer-battered bay scallops immediately with cocktail sauce on the side, complemented by your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Beer-Battered Bay Scallops?
They are succulent bay scallops coated in a light and flavorful beer batter, fried until golden brown and crispy.
How many calories are in this scallop recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.
Is this dish considered a low cholesterol option?
Yes, this recipe is specifically categorized under Low Cholesterol and is a lighter option for seafood lovers.
What type of scallops are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bay scallops, which are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops.
How should I prepare the scallops before cooking?
Rinse the bay scallops under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
What ingredients make up the beer batter?
The batter consists of self-rising flour, yellow cornmeal, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and one can of beer.
How much flour is needed for the recipe?
A total of 1 cup of self-rising flour is used, split into two half-cup portions for the batter and the initial coating.
What is the recommended consistency for the beer batter?
The batter should be stirred until it reaches a consistency that is slightly thinner than pancake batter.
Why do I need to shake the scallops in a bag of flour?
Coating the dry scallops in flour first helps the wet beer batter adhere better to the seafood during frying.
How do I test if the frying oil is ready?
Test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into the pan; it should sizzle immediately if the oil is hot enough.
How long do the bay scallops need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2-3 minutes, or until they reach a golden brown and crispy state.
Why should I fry the scallops in batches?
Frying in batches avoids overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even crisping.
What is the best way to drain the scallops after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
What side dishes go well with beer-battered scallops?
Suggested sides include cocktail sauce, fried okra, or a baked potato.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this fried scallop dish?
There are 15g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this meal?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use any type of beer for the batter?
Yes, the recipe simply calls for one can of beer, which helps create the light, airy texture of the batter.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 5-6 dashes of hot sauce, but you can adjust to your preference.
Is this a difficult recipe for beginners?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is perfect for seafood lovers.
What type of cornmeal is recommended?
The recipe specifies using self-rising yellow cornmeal for added texture and lift.
Is this dish suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as both an appetizer and party food, making it ideal for sharing.
What is the primary flavor profile of the scallops?
The scallops are tender and succulent with a savory, crispy, and slightly tangy exterior from the beer and hot sauce.
Should the scallops be served hot?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the crispy scallops immediately after frying.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the flour and cornmeal mixture to taste.
What heat setting should be used for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat.
What is the main entity of this recipe?
The main entity is bay scallops.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe doesn't specify a exact volume, but suggests enough for deep frying in a pan.
What is the preparation time like for this dish?
While not specifically listed, the quick 2-3 minute frying time and simple mixing steps make it a fast-prep meal.