Being a seafood connoisseur is hard enough due to all the different varieties of foods you’ll come across.  There are many species of crab to eat, an endless list of fish, and even different types of shrimp to indulge in.  Did you know there are actually two different kinds of scallops, too?  This unassuming mollusk comes in two varieties: sea and bay.  There are significant differences between them, and while both are delicious, learning what separates them is an important part of knowing your seafood!  Read on to discover the differences between bay and sea scallops.

All About Bay Scallops

Bay scallops are mainly different because of their size.  Unlike the sea scallop, a bay scallop is about the size of a quarter in diameter.  This means that, when you order a pound of uncooked bay scallops, you’re probably getting about 100 of them.  They cook a little faster because of their size which makes them great for topping salads or pasta dishes.  They should also come already shucked, so you don’t have to spend time getting the meat out of the shell.  Though they lack in size, their flavor is sweet and light.

All About Sea Scallops

At Costas Inn, sea scallops are one of our menu items.  They are harvested year-round from the deep sea, and usually sell for more.  Instead of 100, you only get 20 to 30 per pound; but that’s because sea scallops are around three times bigger.  These scallops still need a shorter cooking time to keep their delicate texture, but have a few more cooking options, like being sauteed or grilled, because they’ll hold together better.

Come try scallops for yourself at Costas Inn!

Costas Inn has been a family owned and operated restaurant for over 40 years. We were recently voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today. You may have spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.

We were also voted #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal! You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Google+,Pinterest, and YouTube!