Rinsing scallops can be a good idea if you want to make sure they're super clean. Some scallops might have a layer of sand or grit on them, which can be a bit of a bummer when you're trying to enjoy a nice scallopy dish. But, is it really necessary to rinse them, or can you just pat them dry and call it a day?
It turns out that some scallops are more prone to having grit on them than others. For example, day-boat scallops are often harvested from the ocean floor, where they can pick up all sorts of debris. So, if you're using these types of scallops, rinsing them might be a good idea.