When smoking scallops, you’ll want to choose woods that impart a delicate and mild smoky flavor. Scallops have a subtle and sweet taste, so you don’t want to overwhelm their natural flavors.
Below we’ll discuss popular woods you can use to smoke scallops. We’ll also discuss how to source and prepare the scallops and tips to smoke them successfully!
Woods You Can Use To Smoke Scallops
Some suitable wood options for smoking scallops include:
- Fruitwoods: Fruitwoods, such as apple and cherry, are excellent choices for smoking scallops. They provide a sweet and light smoke that complements the delicate flavor of the scallops.
- Alder: Alder wood is a classic choice for smoking seafood, including scallops. Its mild and slightly sweet smoke won’t overpower the scallops’ taste.
- Maple: Maple wood produces a gentle smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of scallops.
- Pecan: Pecan wood offers a mellow and slightly nutty smoke that complements the scallops’ flavor without dominating it.
- Oak: If you prefer a slightly stronger smoke flavor, oak can be used in moderation. It provides a medium smokiness that can enhance the scallops’ taste without overshadowing it.
- Alcohol-infused woods: Scallops can smoke well with wood barrels that previously aged alcohols such as armagnac, cognac, sherry, tequila and rum barrel wood, to name a few.
It’s important to control the smoking process carefully, as scallops cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. When smoking scallops, aim for a short smoking time and moderate heat to achieve a light smoky essence while keeping the scallops tender and succulent.
Tips To Smoke Scallops With Wood
Smoking scallops can be a delightful culinary experience, and here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Buy fresh, high-quality scallops: Start with fresh, high-quality scallops from a reputable source. Look for scallops that are firm, moist, and have a mild ocean smell. Avoid scallops with a strong fishy odor or that appear dry and discolored.
- Dry the scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels before smoking. This helps the smoke adhere better to the surface and prevents excess moisture, which can hinder the smoky flavor.
- Use a mild wood: Opt for mild woods like apple, cherry, or alder, as mentioned earlier. These woods will complement the delicate taste of scallops without overpowering them.
- Soak wood chips (optional): If you’re using wood chips instead of chunks, you can soak them in water for 30 minutes before smoking. Soaked chips produce a slower, steadier smoke, which can be beneficial for scallops that cook quickly.
- Preheat the smoker: Preheat your smoker to a low to medium-low temperature, around 80-120°C (175-250°F). This allows the scallops to cook gently and absorb the smoky flavors.
- Create a smoke packet (if needed): If your smoker doesn’t have a designated wood chip tray, you can create a smoke packet by placing soaked wood chips on a piece of aluminum foil, folding it into a packet, and poking a few holes in it. Place the smoke packet on the smoker’s heat source or directly on the grates.
- Add the scallops to the smoker: Place the scallops on a greased or oiled grill rack or use a perforated pan to prevent them from falling through the grates. Make sure to leave some space between the scallops for even smoking.
- Control the smoking time: Scallops are delicate and cook quickly, so they only need a short smoking time. Depending on the size of the scallops and the heat of your smoker, smoking time can range from 15 to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Aim for a light smoke: The goal is to achieve a light smoky flavor that enhances the scallops’ taste without overpowering it. If you notice excessive smoke or a bitter flavor, reduce the amount of wood or adjust your smoking method.
- Test for doneness: Scallops are done when they turn opaque and have a firm, slightly springy texture. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so it’s essential to test for doneness by cutting into one scallop to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
- Serve immediately: Once the scallops are done, serve them right away to enjoy their smoky goodness at its best.
Experimenting with the smoking time and wood combinations can help you find the perfect balance for your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious smoked scallops!