Remove the scallop side muscle (“nerve”) before cooking
Pull off the tough side muscle from scallops so you don’t bite into chewy sinew.
Find the small “nerve” on the side of each scallop and peel it away; it may bring some sinew with it. Discard it before seasoning and cooking.
The short version
- Remove the side muscle before cooking
How to do it
- 1
Inspect the side of each scallop for the small attached muscle.
Watch this step - 2
Pinch and pull the muscle off; remove any sinew that comes with it.
Discard the tough piece; it’s unpleasant to eat.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Leaving the side muscle attached
Peel it off before seasoning
Why it works
The side muscle is tougher than the scallop and can be unpleasantly chewy.
Put it to use
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