When it comes to seafood, scallops are a delicious and nutritious option. But if you’re new to cooking scallops at home, you may be wondering about how to determine the right portion sizes. Specifically, how many ounces are in one scallop?
Quick Answer
On average, one medium-sized scallop is about 1 ounce. So if you’re portioning out scallops for a recipe or meal, you can generally estimate that each individual scallop equates to roughly 1 ounce. The exact weight can vary a bit depending on the size and type of scallop.
Calculating Ounces per Scallop
To get a more precise measurement, you can weigh scallops individually on a kitchen scale. But as a general rule of thumb, here are some estimates for the weight of different sizes of scallops:
- Small scallops: 0.5 ounces each
- Medium scallops: 0.75-1 ounce each
- Large scallops: 1.25-1.5 ounces each
- Jumbo scallops: 1.75-2 ounces each
These portion sizes are based on scallops that have not been processed or treated in any way. So for fresh scallops still in the shell, frozen scallops, or scallop meats, you can use these estimates as a starting point.
Variation Between Scallop Types and Sizes
Keep in mind that scallop sizes can range considerably, from very small to quite large. Here are some factors that affect scallop sizes and weights:
- Type of scallop – Bay scallops tend to be much smaller than sea scallops.
- Size grade – Scallops are sold in different grades like small, medium, large, jumbo, etc.
- Processing method – Scallops may or may not include the roe/coral which affects weight.
- Water content – Fresh scallops contain more water weight than frozen or processed.
So you’ll need to take these variables into account when estimating how many ounces are in a single scallop.
Ounces per Pound of Scallops
Another useful reference point is knowing approximately how many ounces are in a pound of scallops. Again, this will vary depending on size, but general estimates are:
- Bay scallops (small) – around 64 scallops per pound
- Sea scallops (medium) – around 16 scallops per pound
- Sea scallops (large) – around 10-12 scallops per pound
You can use these numbers to calculate backwards if you know the total weight. For example, if you purchase a 1 lb bag of medium sea scallops, divide 16 into 16 oz per pound. That’s approximately 1 oz per scallop.
Ounces in Scallop Meat vs Whole Scallops
Another factor that can affect the weight of scallops is whether you are getting them whole or the scallop meat only. When scallops are harvested, the main muscle that we eat is removed from the colorful roe/coral and outer shell. This process reduces the total edible weight compared to whole-in-shell scallops. So if you are purchasing scallop meat only, the ounces per scallop may be slightly less versus whole scallops.
Visually Estimating Scallop Ounces
With some practice, you can also visually estimate the number of ounces in a scallop using just your eyes. Here are some general visual guidelines:
- 1-inch scallop – 0.5 to 1 oz
- 2-inch scallop – 1 to 1.5 oz
- 3-inch scallop – 1.5 to 2 oz
Of course, getting an exact measurement via weighing is more accurate. But for quick and casual estimating, these size comparisons can help you guess the approximate ounce weight.
Cooking Portions Based on Ounces
Knowing the number of ounces per scallop makes it easy to adapt recipes or plate meals based on portion sizes. Here are some examples of scallop portions using 1-ounce equivalents:
| Number of Scallops | Total Ounces | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2 scallops | 2 ounces | Appetizer or side dish |
| 4 scallops | 4 ounces | Larger appetizer or small main dish |
| 6 scallops | 6 ounces | Main course single serving |
| 12 scallops | 12 ounces | Main course 2-person serving |
This table gives you a sense of reasonable scallop portions for different meal occasions based on 1-ounce equivalents. You can adjust up or down depending on appetite and the side dishes being served.
Ounces in Raw vs Cooked Scallops
One final note when portioning scallops – keep in mind that the ounces are generally calculated for the raw product. Once scallops are cooked, they can reduce in size and weight by around 20-30%. So 4 ounces of raw scallops may yield only 3 ounces or so once cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
To compensate for this reduction, you may want to increase the amount of raw scallops by 1-2 ounces to achieve the desired cooked portion size. This will take some trial and error to get the proportions right based on your cooking method and preferences.
Key Takeaways
So in summary, the number of ounces in a single scallop can vary greatly based on size, type, processing, and many other factors. But here are some reliable guidelines for portioning scallops by weight:
- Average medium sea scallop: 1 ounce
- 10-12 large scallops per pound
- Visually: 1-inch scallop is around 0.5 to 1 oz
- Weigh raw scallops; cooked reduces by 20-30%
Armed with this information, you can now accurately determine portion sizes to suit any recipe, meal, or appetite. Getting the ounce equivalencies right helps ensure you have the right scallop-to-dish ratio and the proper number of servings. So don’t be intimidated by figuring out scallop ounces. With a few easy calculations and visual size comparisons, you can determine how many ounces are in a single scallop or batch of scallops in no time.
Common Questions about Scallop Ounces
Why does the number of ounces in a scallop matter?
Knowing the approximate number of ounces in a scallop is useful for recipes, meal planning, and portion control. When a recipe calls for a certain number of scallops, you need to know the corresponding weight in ounces to shop and prepare the right quantity. Ounces also allow you to conceptualize reasonable portion sizes for recipes or plating. If scallops are the star ingredient, calculating ounces ensures you serve an adequate amount per person.
Do scallops lose weight when cooked?
Yes, scallops can reduce in weight by around 20-30% after cooking due to loss of moisture and liquids. Knowing this conversion helps adjust portions. Increase raw scallops by 2-3 ounces if aiming for a certain cooked ounce weight.
What are some common scallop sizes and their weights?
- Small bay scallops: 0.5 oz each
- Medium sea scallops: 0.75-1 oz each
- Large sea scallops: 1.25-1.5 oz each
- Jumbo sea scallops: 1.75-2 oz each
But weights vary greatly by region, season, processing method, and retailer. Weighing gives a more precise ounce measurement for a particular batch.
How can you visually estimate the ounces in a scallop?
As a general rule of thumb:
- 1-inch scallop is around 0.5 to 1 ounce
- 2-inch scallop is around 1 to 1.5 ounces
- 3-inch scallop is around 1.5 to 2 ounces
The larger the scallop, the more ounces it will contain. This method is helpful for quick rough estimates when portioning.
How many scallops are in a pound?
The number of scallops per pound depends heavily on size:
- Bay scallops: Around 64 per pound
- Medium sea scallops: Around 16 per pound
- Large sea scallops: Around 10-12 per pound
You can use these averages to calculate ounces per scallop from a known pound weight. Or vice versa – calculate pounds needed if portioning by number of ounces per scallop.
Using Scallop Ounces for Recipes and Meals
When cooking with scallops, keep these tips in mind for getting portion sizes right:
- Weigh raw scallops on a scale for most accuracy.
- Adjust up slightly for cooked weight loss.
- Figure around 4 ounces per appetizer serving.
- Plan for 6-8 ounces for a main course scallop dish.
- Let large scallops shine solo; use small ones for stir fries.
- Measure pounds needed by dividing total ounces by ounces per scallop.
Mastering scallop ounces takes some practice, but it’s worth the effort for delicious and satisfying meals. With the inside scoop on sizing, you can now shop, portion, and plate scallops like a pro.
Sample Scallop Recipes Based on Ounces
Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces large sea scallops (about 8-10 scallops)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat scallops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove scallops and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tbsp butter in pan.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan with lemon juice and white wine.
- Whisk in remaining 1 tbsp butter.
- Return scallops to pan and toss to coat in sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Scallop Stir Fry
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bay scallops (about 16 scallops)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 cups cooked rice
- Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse scallops and pat very dry.
- Heat vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add scallops and cook 1 minute until just opaque.
- Remove scallops and set aside.
- Add peppers, snap peas and carrots to pan. Stir fry 3 minutes.
- Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil. Cook 1 minute.
- Return scallops to pan and toss everything to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve stir fry over cooked rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Conclusion
Determining scallop ounce sizes might initially seem tricky. But armed with a few simple guidelines, you can quickly estimate ounces for small or large batches. Weighing scallops and calculating per-pound equivalents provides the most precision for recipes. But even visually judging based on inches can give a rough idea for casual portioning. Remember that cook times, portion sizes, and pairing flavors will all depend on the exact number of ounces. So take the time to calculate ounces in order to get scallop dishes perfectly sized and deliciously satisfying. With this knowledge in your chef toolbelt, you can seamlessly incorporate scallops into appetizers, main dishes, stir fries, and more.
