Grab the scallop with your left hand if you are right-handed or with your right hand if you are left-handed. Hold it flat side up, with the hinge away from you. Insert a metal spatula or knife near the hinge and gently twist it

Run the spatula as closely along the upper shell as possible to release the scallop

Run a spoon along the curved shell to remove the scallop

Find the adductor muscle—this will be the same color as the scallop—and use your finger to pull it slightly away from the scallop

Cut the adductor muscle using a pair of scissors

Remove the gill, the guts, the roe, and the mantle

Quickly dip the scallop in a bowl of water and remove any additional film

The scallop is open