Steamed scallops are a seafood dish in which fresh, raw scallops are cooked by being placed in a steamer and heated through. The term "scallop" refers to both the shellfish (the edible part) as well as its muscle, known as the adductor muscle, which is what we eat when we consume these mollusks. Steaming is a popular cooking method for scallops because it helps retain their moisture and delicate texture while also allowing their natural flavors to shine through.