Togue Brawn is the owner of Downeast Dayboat, a scallop distribution company that gets its haul and ships it the day the shellfish is caught.
Here are some of her thoughts on Maine scallops:
1. As other fisheries have struggled, bold management changes have helped bring Maine's scallop fishery back, increasing landings by 15 times in the last decade. The recovering fishery has boosted the economic diversity of Maine's coastal economy.
2. Maine produces just one percent of US sea scallops and they are harvested within just 3 miles of shore by "dayboats" which go out and back within hours, assuring great freshness, especially for those of us lucky enough to live near the Maine coast . For those who don't live in Maine, Downeast Dayboat ships nationwide within 24 hours of harvest.
3. Maine is the only state in the US with a sea scallop population close to shore. Our craggy coast provides many different environments, and these yield different flavor profiles and textures. Just as oysters from different areas taste different, a Cobscook Bay scallop tastes different from a Casco Bay scallop, which tastes different from a Jonesport scallop.
4. It's important to take advantage of Maine's brief winter season and everyone should be asking their restaurants and fishmongers to carry them. They also make great gifts!
Recipe:
Downeast Dayboat scallops
- Coconut oil, butter, or olive oil for searing
- Kewpie mayonnaise*
- Coconut Secrets Teriyaki sauce*
- Crispy fried shallots or onions
Melt oil in heavy bottomed skillet over medium high or high heat. Pat scallops dry and pan sear scallops to preferred temperature. Place in scallop shell, drizzle with Teriyaki sauce and Kewpie mayonnaise and sprinkle with crispy fried shallots. This is a very simple recipe that is absolutely amazing.
*Kewpie mayonnaise is a Japanese mayo that's super creamy and rich. It does have MSG, so feel free to substitute regular mayonnaise if you must, but it won't be quite the same. You can buy it at most Asian food stores and the Asian food section of many supermarkets. You can also buy crispy fried onions or shallots in big plastic containers at most Asian food stores, or you can make them yourself. To do so, just heat your preferred oil or butter till very hot and cook thinly sliced shallots 'til crispy. Coconut Secrets Teriyaki sauce is AMAZING. The fact that it's also supposedly good for you just puts it right over the top. I buy it at my local health food store but you can also buy it online. You could probably use regular teriyaki sauce, but I encourage you to buy some of this stuff. It's absolutely amazing.
Raw preparation.
Raw Maine scallops with chili paste and cilantro:
Slice scallops thinly, arrange on plate or shell, apply a thin layer of chili garlic paste over the slices. Squeeze lime juice on top, sprinkle with chopped cilantro leaves and crispy fried shallots and eat immediately. Togue says to avoid doing this with scallops caught in the federal fisheries.
