Costco is well known for high-quality seafood, from shrimp to salmon, and many shoppers praise its selection. One product that often gets less attention is Costco’s scallops, sold under the Kirkland Signature label.
Available year-round in the frozen aisle, these scallops make it simple to prepare an elegant meal with minimal effort. But are Kirkland Signature Frozen Scallops any good? Below is an honest review, plus tips for cooking them well.
Let’s dive in.
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Does Costco Have Good Scallops? An Honest Costco Scallops Review
When shopping for scallops, ideal characteristics include a size of fewer than 10 per pound for larger meats, a clean saltwater aroma, and firm, dry flesh. Costco’s scallops meet most of those criteria.
Opening the bag releases a clear seawater scent without any fishy odor—an encouraging sign. Because they’re sold frozen, you can’t judge texture until they thaw, but after defrosting they feel firm to the touch. In many cases, frozen scallops are preferable to widely available “fresh” options because they are often flash-frozen at sea, preserving flavor and texture.
These Kirkland Signature scallops are labeled dry, meaning they contain no added preservatives or water-retaining agents. That results in less retained moisture, which helps them form a proper crust when seared.
The main trade-off is size: these scallops are on the smaller side, roughly 15–20 per pound. Some cooks prefer larger scallops, but the smaller ones are filling—three to four per person felt satisfying in our tests.
So, are Costco scallops any good?
Short answer: yes. They offer a mild, pleasant flavor, cook quickly, and don’t carry excess water that would prevent a good sear. In a side-by-side comparison, we couldn’t detect a meaningful taste difference between these frozen scallops and fresh scallops from a local fishmonger.
For prep, we thawed the scallops in the refrigerator in a covered container. They took slightly longer than the package’s estimate, so we finished defrosting them by placing the sealed bag under running water for several minutes. After draining, we patted them dry and refrigerated them on paper towels while we prepared the pan and sauce.
Cooking was straightforward once the pan was very hot. While the package suggested 1.5 minutes per side, achieving a deep golden crust took about a minute longer in our cast-iron pan. Because scallops cook quickly, they can overcook easily; using an instant-read thermometer and aiming for around 145°F is helpful.
The result was an impressive, restaurant-style dinner that was quick to prepare. We’ll purchase Costco scallops again.
Costco Scallops Price
At the time of purchase, a two-pound bag of Kirkland Signature Frozen Scallops cost about $34.99. Each bag contains roughly 32 scallops—about eight servings if you serve four scallops per person.
Costco Scallops Nutrition
Kirkland Signature scallops are naturally low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein. They are also a good source of potassium and other nutrients common to shellfish.
Costco Scallops Cooking Instructions
A few key points for cooking scallops: they’re small and cook fast—plan on a little over two minutes per side depending on heat and size. Because they overcook easily, monitor them closely and use an instant-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature near 145°F.
Drying the scallops well before searing is essential, even for dry scallops sold without additives. Excess surface moisture prevents proper browning.
Here’s a simple method for cooking Kirkland Signature Frozen Scallops.
How To Cook Costco Scallops
Equipment
- 1 Non-stick or cast-iron pan
Materials
- 1 tsp Salt
- 16 Scallops
- 1 Tbs Vegetable Oil (enough to lightly coat the pan)
Instructions
- Use fully defrosted scallops. Pat them dry, place on a paper towel, and sprinkle salt (about 1 tsp per pound). Cover with another paper towel and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Pat dry again.
- Heat vegetable or avocado oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over high heat until it is just smoking.
- Arrange the scallops in the hot pan without crowding—leave about 1–2 inches between each to avoid steaming. Sear until a deep golden crust forms, about 2 minutes per side depending on size and heat.
- Flip and sear the other side for about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and serve immediately.
Costco Scallops Recipes
These scallops pair well with a variety of preparations. Here are a few ideas to showcase them:
- Seared scallops served with lemon butter and fresh herbs for a simple, elegant plate.
- Scallop pasta with burst tomatoes and herbs for a bright, quick weeknight meal.
- Pan-seared scallops with a light sauce—garlic, white wine, and butter complement their delicate flavor.
Costco Scallops FAQ
Are Costco Scallops Wet Or Dry?
There are two common categories of scallops: dry and wet. Kirkland Signature Frozen Scallops are dry scallops, meaning they are not treated with water-retaining additives like sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The ingredient list for the product contains only scallops.
Wet scallops are often treated with solutions that increase weight and moisture, which can make them look glossy but also interfere with browning and sometimes produce an off texture or flavor. Dry scallops are preferred for searing because they brown better and deliver a more natural texture.
How Many Scallops Should Be Served Per Person?
A typical serving size is roughly 3.5–4 ounces per person. Since Costco scallops are about one ounce each, plan on about four scallops per serving. Despite their small size, scallops are satisfying and pair well with light sides or pasta.
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