Scallops are a tasty and nutritious seafood that many people enjoy eating. When cooking scallops or ordering them at a restaurant, it’s useful to know what different portion sizes of scallops look like. One common reference amount is half a pound of scallops. But how many individual scallops are actually in half a pound? The answer depends on the size of the scallops.
Typical Sizes of Scallops
Scallops come in different sizes, from small to jumbo. Here are some of the common scallop sizes:
Small
Small scallops are about 20-30 count per pound. This means there are 20-30 small scallops in one pound. Small scallops are usually around 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Medium
Medium scallops are approximately 10-15 count per pound. So one pound contains 10-15 medium-sized scallops. Medium scallops are typically 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
Large
Large scallops are around 10 count per pound. This works out to about 10 large scallops per pound. Large scallops are usually about 2-2.5 inches in diameter.
Jumbo
Jumbo scallops are the biggest commonly available size. They are around 6-8 count per pound. So you get approximately 6-8 jumbo scallops in one pound. Jumbo scallops can be over 2.5 inches in diameter.
How Many Scallops in Half a Pound
So using the typical scallop sizes and counts per pound, we can calculate how many scallops are in half a pound:
Small Scallops
Half a pound of small scallops is 10-15 scallops.
Medium Scallops
Half a pound of medium scallops is 5-8 scallops.
Large Scallops
Half a pound of large scallops is around 5 scallops.
Jumbo Scallops
Half a pound of jumbo scallops is about 3-4 scallops.
Here is a summary table:
| Scallop Size | Scallops per Pound | Scallops in Half Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 20-30 | 10-15 |
| Medium | 10-15 | 5-8 |
| Large | 10 | 5 |
| Jumbo | 6-8 | 3-4 |
As you can see, the number of scallops in half a pound ranges from about 3 for jumbo scallops up to 15 for small scallops. The exact amount depends on the precise size of the specific scallops.
Factors That Affect Scallop Size
Why do scallops come in such varying sizes? There are a few factors that influence the size of scallops:
Species
There are many species of scallops, some of which are naturally smaller or bigger. Common species like sea scallops and bay scallops tend to be on the smaller side. Giant scallops like Hokkaido scallops are much larger.
Age
Older scallops have had more time to grow, so they tend to be bigger. Baby scallops that are harvested young will be quite small.
Harvesting Time
Scallops harvested at different times of year may vary in size. Scallops harvested during peak feeding and growing times will be larger.
Location
Where the scallops are harvested impacts their nutrients and growth. Scallops from areas with optimal currents and food sources grow bigger.
Buying Scallops Based on Portion Size
When purchasing scallops from the market or ordering them at a restaurant, it’s helpful to know how many come in different portion sizes.
Here are some tips for buying scallops by portion:
For 2 people
– 1/4 lb of small or medium scallops (around 5-10)
– 1/3 lb of large scallops (3-4)
For 4 people
– 1/2 lb of small scallops (10-15)
– 1/3 to 1/2 lb of medium scallops (5-10)
– 1/3 lb of large scallops (around 5)
For 6-8 people
– 1 lb of small or medium scallops (20-30 small or 10-15 medium)
– 1/2 to 2/3 lb of large scallops (8-10)
These portion sizes provide a rough estimate of how many scallops to purchase or order based on the number of people eating. The actual ideal amount may vary depending on the recipe and other foods being served.
Tips for Cooking Half a Pound of Scallops
Here are some tips for preparing half a pound of scallops:
Pat scallops dry
Be sure to pat the scallops thoroughly dry before cooking. This helps ensure they brown nicely and cook evenly.
Sear scallops on high heat
To get a good sear, use a skillet or pan heated to medium high or high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter.
Avoid overcooking
Scallops cook very quickly, usually just 1-2 minutes per side. Take them off the heat as soon as they develop a golden crust and opaque center.
Complement with sauce
Serve seared or grilled scallops with a complementary sauce like lemon butter, chimichurri, or béarnaise. This adds lots of flavor.
Use leftovers
Refrigerate leftover cooked scallops and use within 2-3 days for salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Scallop Recipes for Half a Pound
Here are some great recipe ideas for half a pound of fresh scallops:
Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
– Half a pound large scallops
– 2 tbsp butter, divided
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 2 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Melt 1 tbsp butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Remove skillet from heat. Whisk in remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Pour sauce over scallops and garnish with parsley.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients:
– Half a pound large scallops
– 4 slices bacon, cut in half
– Toothpicks
– Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
Instructions:
1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Wrap one piece of bacon tightly around each scallop. Secure with a toothpick.
3. Broil scallops 8-10 minutes until bacon is crisp.
4. Serve immediately.
Citrus Scallop and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
– Half a pound seared scallops
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 pink grapefruit, segmented
– 1 orange, segmented
– 1 shallot, thinly sliced
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, gently toss together scallops, avocado, citrus segments, shallot, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Divide salad between 2-4 plates and serve.
Storing Scallops Properly
To get the most out of your scallops, it’s important to store them correctly:
Keep scallops chilled
Store scallops on ice or in the coldest part of the refrigerator set at 40°F or below. Use within 2 days.
Avoid freezing previously frozen scallops
Scallops are extremely perishable. Only freeze scallops once right after purchasing.
Place on bottom shelf of fridge
Keep scallops in a bowl or pan on the bottom shelf of the fridge so juices don’t drip onto other food.
Seal tightly
Wrap scallops tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn.
Following proper scallop storage helps maintain quality and prevent premature spoilage. Use your half pound of scallops as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.
Seafood Safety
When cooking and eating raw seafood like scallops, there are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Purchase scallops from a reputable seller
Only buy scallops that are fresh and of high quality from a trusted fish market or grocery store.
Cook scallops thoroughly
Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any potential harmful bacteria. Scallops should be opaque and firm when fully cooked.
Avoid cross-contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw scallops and other foods. Wash hands, surfaces, and tools thoroughly after handling raw scallops.
Refrigerate promptly
Store scallops right away in the coldest part of the refrigerator until ready to use. Don’t leave them sitting out at room temperature.
Following basic food safety practices helps protect against foodborne illness when enjoying scallops and other seafood.
The Bottom Line
So how many scallops are in half a pound? The exact number can range from about 3-4 jumbo scallops up to 10-15 small scallops, depending on their precise size. In general, you can expect approximately 5-10 medium scallops in a half-pound portion. Half a pound makes a great single serving or can serve 2-4 people along with sides. Sautéeing or pan searing are quick and easy cooking methods that highlight the delicious sweet flavor of fresh scallops. Store scallops properly for safety and use within 2 days. Follow basic food handling and preparation guidelines when cooking scallops and enjoy this tasty seafood in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
