Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound bay scallops or quartered sea scallops, tough bits removed
2 cups milk or butter milk
1 large egg
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Peanut or vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup cracker crumbs (pulse saltines in a food processor)
Spicy Remoulade or Green Tartar Sauce (see Sauces, Salsas, and Relishes) or prepared cocktail sauce
Preparation:
Whisk the milk and egg together in a medium bowl. Season the scallops with salt and white pepper and stir into the milk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. You want the scallops very cold before frying so they won’t overcook. Heat at least 3 inches of oil in a wide deep pot ( a cast iron Dutch oven is ideal) to 350 to 365 degrees. Combine the flour and cracker crumbs in a shallow bowl. When the oil is hot, drain the scallops. Drop a handful of scallops into the flour and cracker crumbs and toss to coat well. Add to the oil and fry for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining scallops. Serve hot, sprinkled with some more salt if you want, and with the sauce of your choice. Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer.
Recipe obtained from Fish Without a Doubt by Rick Moonen and Roy Finamore.


