Do Scallops Taste Like Shrimp? A Shellfish Taste Test

As a seafood lover I’m always looking to expand my palate and try new types of shellfish. Two that frequently pop up on restaurant menus and fish counters are scallops and shrimp. While they both come from the ocean these shellfish have some notable differences when it comes to taste and texture. If you’ve ever wondered “do scallops taste like shrimp?” before ordering them, read on for a thorough taste test and comparison.

First, let’s start with the basics – what are scallops? Scallops are a type of shellfish mollusk harvested for food. The scallop itself refers to the adductor muscle that opens and closes the two shells. Sea scallops are the largest variety, ranging from 11⁄2 to 2 inches in diameter. They have a sweet, briny flavor and a firm, succulent texture. Bay scallops are much smaller at 1⁄2 inch diameter, with a more delicate taste and texture.

Scallops can be found in dishes all over the world, but are especially popular in French and New England cuisine. They are highly versatile – you can find them grilled, seared, baked, or even raw in ceviche. When cooked properly, scallops develop a lovely browned crust on the exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.

Getting to Know Shrimp

Now let’s look at shrimp. Shrimp are decapod crustaceans that live in saltwater habitats. There are over 2,000 species of shrimp worldwide. Some popular varieties eaten include white shrimp, pink shrimp, rock shrimp, and royal red shrimp. Shrimp can range in size from under an inch up to 12 inches long. Most shrimp have a slightly salty, briny, and sweet flavor with a supple, flaky texture when cooked.

From shrimp tacos to shrimp scampi this versatile shellfish shows up in an endless array of dishes across cuisines. Shrimp can be boiled grilled, sautéed, baked, fried, or put in soups, salads, pasta, and more. When preparing shrimp at home, deveining and peeling are often required first steps.

Comparing Taste and Texture

Now that we know the basics about scallops and shrimp, let’s directly compare their taste and texture.

Taste The flavors of scallops and shrimp have some similarities – both have a delicate sweetness and brininess from the sea. However, shrimp tends to have a more pronounced “fishy” or ocean-like flavor The taste of scallops is milder and more subtle Scallops are often described as tasting slightly sweet or even buttery.

Texture: Shrimp has a supple, flaky, and almost crunchy texture when cooked. Scallops have a smooth, succulent flesh with a firm bite. Of the two, scallops have a meatier, more substantial mouthfeel.

So while scallops and shrimp derive from similar marine environments, there are some clear differences in how they taste and feel when eating them. Scallops tend to be more mild, sweet, and silky compared to shrimp’s stronger ocean flavor and flakier flesh.

Factors That Influence Flavor

It’s also worth noting that there are a few factors that can affect the taste and texture of scallops versus shrimp.

• Cooking method – Grilling, searing, and sautéing will intensify flavors more than boiling, steaming, or poaching.

• Freshness – The fresher the seafood, the sweeter and more delicate the flavor. Frozen scallops and shrimp lose some nuances in taste and texture.

• Size – Larger sea scallops and jumbo shrimp will have a fuller mouthfeel and flavor compared to smaller varieties.

• Seasoning – What scallops and shrimp are cooked with, whether herbs, spices, or sauces, significantly impacts the end result.

• Geography – Seafood from different regions even within the same species can exhibit subtle taste variations based on local environment and diet.

So two plates of scallops or two plates of shrimp could potentially taste quite different based on cooking, freshness, size, seasoning, and source.

My Personal Preference

When it comes to my personal preference between scallops and shrimp, I lean towards scallops. I love their buttery sweetness, substantial texture, and how they transform into a gorgeous golden crust when seared properly. That said, I also enjoy the light brininess and pleasant crunch of properly cooked shrimp.

In my opinion, both scallops and shrimp deserve a place in any seafood lover’s diet. Luckily they pair well with many of the same ingredients like garlic, lemon, butter, and white wine. I like to keep a stash of both in my freezer so I can enjoy shrimp scampi one week and seared scallops the next.

Trying Scallops and Shrimp for Yourself

For those who have never tried scallops or only eat shrimp occasionally, I strongly recommend giving both shellfish a thorough taste test. When very fresh, they offer some of the most delicious flavors the ocean has to offer. Start with a basic preparation like a sauté in butter or olive oil with salt, pepper and lemon. Or add them to pasta or salads to start getting acquainted with their flavors.

Pay attention to textures and flavors as you sample scallops and shrimp side by side. Take note of which cooking methods you prefer for each. Observing the differences will help refine your personal tastes. You may find you like both equally. Or you may join my camp and become a devout scallop lover after exploring their merits first-hand. Either way, expanding your palate to new shellfish is an adventure well worth taking.

So do scallops taste like shrimp? While there are some similarities in flavor and texture, each has its own distinct qualities. The best way to find your preference is to cook up some scallops and shrimp and conduct a taste test for yourself. Happy sampling!