Did you know there is a way in which you can actually reheat your leftover scallops without drying them or turning them into rubber-like balls?
The next time you have some leftover scallops, do not through them away. Consider using a microwave to reheat them.
Here is how to reheat scallops in the microwave.
Thaw the frozen scallops, transfer them into a microwave-safe bowl and add some water if they appear dry. Loosely cover with damp paper towels. Microwave the scallops at 90% for 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the quantity. Check for the doneness by observing the steam production or using a thermometer. Suppose there is no steam, or the kitchen thermometer shows an internal temperature below 115F. Continue reheating them for 10 to 15 more seconds.
This article focuses on how to reheat scallops by microwaving. Among the topics discussed are tips when reheating scallops in a microwave, a procedure, the best way to reheat scallops, other ways of reheating scallops, and how to tell whether leftover scallops are still in condition. Frequently asked questions have also been given answers at the end of this article.
Helpful Tips when Using a Microwave to Reheat Scallops
Suppose you intend to make use of a microwave when reheating scallops. You will need some helpful tips that will guide you through the process. The tips are listed below.
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Look at the Storage Duration
Before reheating scallops, ensure they are still in good condition. Do not reheat and consume scallops that have stayed in the fridge for more than seven days. Leftover scallops in perfect condition should have been stored in an airtight container, in the fridge for a day or two, or in a freezer for no longer than three months.
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Always Have Some Water
If you want to reheat scallops, ensure water is available despite the method used. When scallops are stored in the fridge, they might clamp together. Add few drops of water to the defrosted scallops, will ensure the scallops are heated efficiently.
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Be Keen on the Internal Temperature
When reheating scallops, ensure that it is heated to an internal temperature of 115F. A kitchen thermometer will help you out. You can also reheat the scallops for 20 to 30 seconds until more than enough steam comes out.
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Remember there is Always Residual Cooking
Once you remove the scallops from the microwave, the heat will continue cooking them. Therefore ensure they do not heat beyond 115F since they will continue to cook themselves even after being removed from the microwave. When scallops are heated beyond 130F, they become soggy and overcooked.
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Make Use of Wet Paper Towels
Wet paper towels will prevent the microwave from absorbing more moisture from the scallops, leaving them dry and rubbery.
Can You Reheat Scallops in Microwave
Yes, you can reheat scallops in the microwave. Whether frozen or not, a microwave is in the best position to reheat them in less than 3 minutes.
The number of your scallops and the type of your microwave dictate how long it will take. Below is a procedure with detailed steps and requirements to guide you through the reheating process.
Step-to-step Procedure of Reheating Scallops in the Microwave
Requirements
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Water
- Wet paper towels
Procedure
Step one: Thaw the Scallops
Leftover scallops stored in the fridge or freezer should be cooled or thawed first. Supposes you had stored them in the freezer; you can refrigerate them in the fridge overnight, allow them to stay on the kitchen counter for an hour or two, or defrost them in the microwave. If only you had stored them in the fridge, you could allow them to cool in an open space for 10 to 20 minutes before reheating.
Step two: Transfer the Thawed Scallops to a Microwave-safe Bowl
Evenly spread the thawed scallops on a microwave-safe bowl. Ensure the bowl is safe to be placed in the microwave by looking for a microwave-safe symbol. You wouldn’t want to use a bowl that cannot handle the microwave heat.
Step three: Add a Few Drops of Water to the Bowl
The water helps moistens the scallops to prevent them from over-drying in the microwave.
Step four: Cover the Scallops
Use wet paper towels to cover the bowl containing the scallops loosely. The wet paper towels will protect the scallops from the harsh microwaves that will evaporate excess moisture. Also, the wet paper towels will keep moisture in the bowl, giving it a succulent taste.
Step five: Microwave the Scallops
At 90%, reheat the scallops for 20 to 30 seconds, depending on their quantity. Remember to flip the scallops over halfway through the reheating.
Step six: Check the Doneness
Check the doneness of the scallops by checking the internal temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer to help you out. The internal temperature of already cooked scallops is 115F. Suppose you do not own a kitchen thermometer; you should observe some steam coming from the bowl. If they are not cooked to the right internal temperature, or there is no smoke seen coming from the bowl; you can reheat them for a few more seconds.
Best Way to Reheat Scallops
The best way to reheat scallops is by the use of a microwave. The method is fast and can also defrost frozen scallops if you have forgotten to refrigerate them or leave them at room temperature to thaw.
To use a microwave, transfer the scallops to a microwavable bowl, add a few drops of water to moisturize them, use wet paper towels to cover the bowl, and microwave at 90% for 20 to 30 seconds.
The most important factors to remember when using a microwave are to use a microwave safe bowl, moisturize the scallops, protect them from drying by using wet paper towels and ensure they are properly cooked before serving.
Other Ways of Reheating Scallops
Apart from microwaving, there are other two ways you could use to reheat leftover scallops. They are discussed below.
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The Use of an Oven
First, thaw the scallops if they had been frozen. Align the scallops on a baking sheet and sprinkle some water on them. Use foil paper to cover the scallops tightly as you preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Place the scallops in the oven and bake for 10 minutes and check whether they are heated enough for you, if not you could bake them again for another 5 minutes.
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The Use of a Stove
Scallops cooked with soup heat better on a stove. All you need is to remove the scallops from the freezer and thaw them. Then place them on a saucepan and heat on the stove at medium low heat. Ensure to stir the scallops gently until they are fully heated up
Suppose you are reheating scallops cooked without soup, use a nonstick saucepan. That way, the scallops will not get burnt or stick on the saucepan’s surface when heated. Place the scallops on the nonstick pan and cover. Heat on a stove for 3 minutes, flip them and heat again while covered for another 3 minutes.
How to Store Leftover Scallops
Suppose you have leftover scallops and wish to eat them again next time. The best option is to store them appropriately. There are two ways in which you could store leftover scallops. Please do not allow the leftover scallops to stay at room temperature for more than two hours before storing them appropriately.
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In the fridge
Put the leftover scallops in an airtight container and place the container in the fridge. Let the scallops stay in the fridge for only a maximum of three days. Any longer than that only mean they have gone bad.
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In the freezer
Again transfer the scallops to an airtight container, then place the container in the freezer. Scallops can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Before storing them in the freezer, ensure the container is labeled by the date it was stored so that you wouldn’t have to consume overstayed scallops.
Instead of using an airtight container in both storing methods, you can wrap your leftover scallops in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap, then place them in the fridge or freezer.
How to Tell Whether Leftover Scallops are Still in Good Condition
Knowing whether the scallops you are about to reheat and consume are in good condition should always be your number one priority before reheating them. The question is, how you would know. There are several ways in which you could use just as described below.
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Use your Sense of Smell
Suppose you notice a foul odor from the storage container or the plastic wrap, then that is your red flag. The scallops are not good to eat and could harm your body.
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Look at the Texture of the Scallops
Suppose the texture of scallops appears slimy, then they have gone bad. You are advised to dispose of it.
Under no circumstance should you try to taste the good condition of leftover scallops by placing them in your mouth. You could be eating something that can cause food poisoning.
Faqs On How to Reheat Scallops in the Microwave
1. Can you reheat scallops once cooked?
Yes, you can reheat scallops once cooked in the microwave. Transfer them to a microwave-safe container. Microwave the scallops at 90% for 20 to 30 seconds.
Use a kitchen thermometer to check the doneness of the scallops. Properly cooked scallops should have an internal temperature of 115F. You can microwave for 5 to 10 more seconds if the internal temperature is below the required.
2. Is it safe to eat leftover scallops?
Yes, it is safe to eat leftover scallops as long as they have been stored appropriately in the fridge or freezer, then microwaved to the right internal temperature.
However, it should not have stayed in the fridge for more than three days or in the freezer for more than three months.
3. Can you eat scallops the next day?
Yes, you can eat scallops the following day if you had not let them sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Transfer the scallops to an airtight container or plastic wrap and place them in a fridge. Remove from the fridge the next day and reheat in a microwave, oven, or stove.
4. Can you eat cold scallops?
Yes, you can serve and eat cold scallops. Most importantly is the need to marinate and give it a more wonderful taste. Then serve it as an appetizer.
In fact, scallops can also be eaten raw due to their sweetness and clear nature before cooking.
5. How long can scallops sit out?
Scallops should only stay out for up to 2 hours. When scallops are left at room temperature for too long, the food bacteria begin to grow since the surrounding environment is the best for foodborne bacteria’s rapid growth and survival.
Therefore, it is advisable to store your leftover scallops in the fridge immediately after you are done eating, and if they have been out for longer than 2 hours, throw them away.
6. What do you do with leftover scallops?
You could do several things with leftover scallops, for instance, making fish cakes, wrap them in bacon, combine them with other ingredients to make other meals like seafood pasta, Mediterranean Scallops, Seafood Salad, or BBQ Spicy Skewers. You can also put the scallops in an airtight container and store them in the fridge or freezer.
7. How long are scallops good in the fridge?
Scallops should stay in the fridge for three days. If they are not consumed within the mentioned time, they should be removed from the fridge and thrown away.
To successfully store scallops in the refrigerator for three days, they should be placed in an airtight container. Scallops can also stay in the freezer for up to three months
8. Can you reheat scallops wrapped in bacon?
Yes, you can. However, the best method to use is an oven. You first grease the baking sheet, then evenly align the scallops wrapped in bacon on the baking sheet.
Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the scallops so that they do not overcook.
Final thoughts
Microwaving is the fastest method for reheating leftover scallops.
It is even the most uncomplicated method when reheating scallops that have been frozen; defrost them a few seconds before reheating.
The process is easier; you only need a microwave-safe plate, water, and wet paper towels. You can also use an oven or a stove as your other reheating option.
