Scallop and Broccoli Stir Fry (15 minute recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to boil broccoli before stir frying? ›

Broccoli does NOT requiring boiling before sautéing or stir-frying IF you implement the steaming method. Trapping hot air in the pan is what helps soften the broccoli so it doesn't just appear cooked on the outside.

A: The ideal soaking time for scallops in milk is typically between 15 to 30 minutes. This duration allows the enzymes in the milk to work on tenderizing the scallops without overdoing it. However, the soaking time should be extended if you're working with thicker scallops.

Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Cook the scallops for 2 minutes, then flip. Cook the scallops undisturbed for 2 minutes. If the scallop doesn't release easily from the pan, let it cook for another few seconds until it does.

Thankfully, we have you covered: Dry Your Scallops: We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating—be sure to dry your scallops before placing them on the pan. Season Them Before You Cook Them: You should sprinkle your salt and pepper onto your scallops before cooking, not during or after.

Add the raw broccoli to the hot skillet and stir to coat with the oil. There's no need to boil or blanch the broccoli for this recipe! Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 4 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to make sure the slices of garlic do not burn.

The Chinese broccoli needs to cook as fast as possible, so that the nutrients and color don't have as much opportunity to leach out into the water. It's best to start with as much boiling water as you can. Restaurants serve amazingly green and crunchy Chinese broccoli because they use huge amounts of boiling water.

Keep the milk-soaked scallops in your fridge for about an hour and drain before using. If you're planning on searing your scallops, make sure to pat them dry of any remaining milk before proceeding.

Scallops are fairly easy to prepare, with some recipes calling for them to be first soaked in milk. Soaking scallops in milk is a way to tenderize them and remove any fishy odor.

Give your scallops a quick rinse to remove any grit, then thoroughly pat dry with a few paper towels, as excess moisture will inhibit searing. For added insurance, you can dry your scallops in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.

For the perfect sear, get the pan nice and hot. I prefer using oil to sear the scallops and butter to finish, which adds great flavor.

Is it better to sear scallops in butter or olive oil? ›

While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred. Can I use olive oil to sear scallops? I do not recommend searing scallops in olive oil because of its low smoke point.

Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while towels absorb moisture. 2. Sprinkle scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

What type of oil should you use to cook scallops? A light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil will begin to smoke immediately over high heat. Instead, reach for grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

Generally, the best way to cook scallops is searing them. Seared scallops are cooked on the stovetop, usually in a cast iron skillet to get an excellent sear, using butter or oil to get them nice and crispy. The result is a crisp, golden brown exterior with a delicate balance of savory, tender scallops inside.

Blanch vegetables before stir-fry

To prepare vegetables for stir-frying, blanching is the perfect way to jump-start the cooking process, especially for dense vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower (which usually take a while to stir-fry and often get soggy).

Add 2 tablespoons of water to steam the broccoli, and cook, stirring constantly, until tender, about 2 minutes more. Push the broccoli to the edges of the pan, forming an empty well in the center.

The time-saving strategy is to blanch — boil very briefly — the veggies before sauteeing. You can do this several days in advance, blanching a week's worth of chopped veggies ahead of time and just sauteeing them in minutes before dinner.