Do you need to thaw frozen scallops before cooking?

You generally don't need to thaw frozen scallops if you're:

* Pan-searing: Frozen scallops can go straight from the freezer to a hot pan. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time as they will take slightly longer to cook.

* Grilling: Similar to pan-searing, frozen scallops can be grilled directly.

* Roasting or baking: You can roast or bake frozen scallops without thawing.

You should thaw frozen scallops if you're:

* Cooking them in a recipe that requires a long cooking time: This includes dishes like soups, stews, or pasta sauces.

* Making a scallop ceviche or another dish that requires raw scallops: Frozen scallops need to be thawed before using them in raw dishes.

How to thaw frozen scallops:

* Refrigerator: The safest and slowest method, taking about 12 hours.

* Cold water bath: Place the scallops in a sealed bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. This takes about 30 minutes.

* Microwave: Use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Always check the package instructions for specific thawing recommendations.