How To Reheat Scallops - The Best Way

Scallops taste heavenly when freshly pan-seared. However, if you have leftover scallops, there is no way you should let this delicious shellfish go to waste.

Instead, store your leftover scallops properly and recap them when you want to have a nice dinner ready in just a few minutes.

But how do you reheat scallops?

The best way to reheat scallops is in the oven. The oven gets the scallops evenly heated in 10-15 minutes without drying them out. You can also reheat the scallops on the stove, using a nonstick skillet. Reheating scallops in the microwave is not recommended. 

This article is your guide to reheating leftover scallops. Read on for step-by-step instructions for reheating scallops in the oven and on the stove, as well as why it’s not a good idea to microwave scallops.

Reheat the scallops

Yes you can reheat scallops. However, there are two things you should keep in mind. First of all, if you want to keep leftover scallops for later use, be sure to store them properly. Check out this article on how to freeze and store scallops.

There are two ways to store cooked scallops in the fridge. You can store them in an airtight container.

When doing this, make sure that the container is not too large for the number of scallops that you will be storing in it. Otherwise, the contact of the scallops with the air trapped in the container will cause them to deteriorate.

Alternatively, you can wrap the scallops tightly in aluminum foil and a layer of cling film to make them airtight, then put them in an airtight container for further protection.

Scallops stored properly in the fridge can be reheated and eaten within 3-4 days.

Second, choose the proper reheating method. It is difficult for scallops to turn out well when first cooked, especially if they are reheated while cooked without affecting their texture and flavor.

Scallops reheated with improper techniques can be rubbery or dry. Also, not reaching the proper internal temperature can even make the scallops dangerous to eat.

When reheating scallops, their internal temperature should be 125-140°F.

Another problem is overcooking the scallops. And if you know anything about cooking scallops, it’s probably that you should never overcook them. Overcooked scallops are chewy and unpleasant.

What is the best way to reheat scallops?

Getting scallops to heat evenly isn’t as easy as it sounds, as the exterior can burn if scallops are kept on the heat for too long. Therefore, the best way to reheat scallops is in the oven.

Oven

The temperature inside the oven is uniform, which means that the food heats up evenly. It’s also one of the methods least likely to dry out scallops or make them rubbery.

Here are step-by-step instructions for reheating scallops in the oven:

1. Before you put the scallops in the oven, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Otherwise, the center of the scallops may still be cold even though the sides start to burn. In this case, however, make sure you don’t leave the scallops out for more than 2 hours for safety reasons.
2. Preheat oven to 275°F.
3. Put the scallops in the skillet or any other oven-safe dish.
4. Splash the scallops with water. The water droplets will create steam and help the scallops heat evenly without losing moisture.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. This will keep the heat in and prevent the tops of the scallops from burning.
6. Put the scallops in the oven for a maximum of 15 minutes. Check after 10 minutes to see if the scallops are piping hot. If so, take them out. If you have a thermometer, it would be a good idea to check the internal temperature of the scallops, making sure it has reached 125°F.
7. When piping hot, remove the scallops from the oven and serve with your favorite garnishes.

Stove

The stovetop is the second best method for reheating scallops. It allows you to avoid burnt edges and a cold center.

Reheating scallops in a skillet or casserole can save you a few minutes. However, when using this reheating method, stay close to the stove, as the scallops will only take a few minutes to burn.

Here’s how to reheat scallops on the stovetop:

1. Take the scallops out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature.
2. Put the scallops in a nonstick skillet.
3. The stove fire should be low to medium. Don’t use high heat, as the outside of the scallops will burn quickly while the inside stays cool.
4. Add a splash of water to the pan.
5. Cover the pan with the lid to lock in the steam and get the scallops to heat evenly.
6. Flip the scallops after a few minutes to give them a nice color on both sides, as well as to ensure they heat evenly.
7. Check the internal temperature of the scallops to see if it is within the 125-140°F range. If so, remove the scallops from the pan and serve them.

Tip : The scallops can be delicious even reheated. And the best way to make reheated scallops taste like they’re freshly seared is to top them with a delicious lemon sauce.

To make a lemon sauce for the scallops, melt a few cubes of butter over low heat. When the butter reaches the point of browning and has a nutty aroma, add some finely chopped shallots.

Remove the sauce from the heat and add chopped parsley and thyme. Add the key ingredient of the sauce: freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Can scallops be reheated in the microwave?

Microwaving is a good method of reheating many foods and dishes, but not seafood.

Avoid reheating the scallops in the microwave if you have other options. When reheating scallops in the microwave, keep your expectations low, as the microwave will overcook the outside of the scallops and leave the center cold.

Also, microwaving scallops can cause them to become dry and rubbery, just the opposite of what you need scallops to be.

If you decide to reheat the scallops in the microwave, don’t forget to add a few drops of water. Cover the microwave-safe bowl with plastic wrap to lock the steam in the bowl.

This will help you reheat the scallops as evenly as possible.

How to reheat frozen scallops?

If 3-4 days isn’t enough to eat your leftover scallops, you can freeze the scallops for safe storage and a much longer shelf life.

If the freezer temperature is consistently 0°F, the scallops will remain safe to eat for 3-6 months. However, we recommend thawing and reheating them for the first 2-3 months.

The longer you keep scallops in the freezer, the less flavorful they can be.

Freeze the scallops tightly wrapped in aluminum foil and food wrap. Or use an airtight container to freeze the scallops. When you decide to reheat frozen cooked scallops, transfer them from the freezer to the fridge the day before.

You can reheat thawed scallops the same way you would reheat scallops stored in the fridge. However, it is recommended to use pre-frozen cooked scallops in watery dishes such as casseroles and casseroles.

How to reheat pasta with scallops?

If you have leftover scallop pasta and want to reheat it for lunch or dinner, there is a quick and easy method you can use.

Here’s how to reheat pasta with scallops:

1. Scoop the scallops out of the pasta.
2. Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe plate and add a splash of water.
3. Reheat the pasta in the microwave for a minute or more until hot. Meanwhile, the scallops will come to room temperature.
4. Take the pasta out of the microwave and add the scallops.
5. Stir everything to get the scallops heated through, and voila! You have a perfectly warmed pasta with scallops.

You don’t always have to use the microwave. Reheat the pasta the way you prefer. The key is to add the scallops when you have just turned off the heat and the pasta is still hot.

In fact, you can use this method of reheating not only for pasta, but also for other foods, such as rice and freshly cooked vegetables.

How to reheat bacon wrapped scallops?

Bacon Wrapped Scallops are one of the most popular and beloved scallop dishes. If you have leftover bacon wrapped scallops, sear them in the oven for best results. The key is not to let the bacon burn.

Here’s how to reheat bacon wrapped scallops:

1. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in a greased skillet.
2. Put the skillet on the highest rack of the oven and turn the heat to medium or high.
3. Heat the scallops in the oven for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the scallops, as you need them to heat up without burning the bacon.

If you decide to reheat the bacon-wrapped scallops on the stove, use a nonstick skillet. Use a medium to high heat to reheat the scallops to get the bacon wrap crisp without burning.

Reheating the bacon wrapped scallops on the stove will take 3 to 4 minutes.