Name: Grilled Garlic Butter Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ kg large sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Lemon wedges; Extra chopped parsley; Grilled vegetables (e.g., asparagus or zucchini); Crusty bread (for soaking up the sauce, optional)

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryChefs Choice, Main Courses, Seafood

These Grilled Garlic Butter Scallops are tender, buttery, and full of rich, savory flavors. Perfectly seared with a golden crust, they are basted with garlic-infused butter for extra depth. Light, elegant, and packed with umami, these scallops make an impressive appetizer or main course, served with grilled asparagus and a glass of white wine.

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time10 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time20 mins

For the Scallops

½ kg large sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

For Garnish and Serving

Lemon wedges

Extra chopped parsley

Grilled vegetables (e.g., asparagus or zucchini)

Crusty bread (for soaking up the sauce, optional)

Prepare the Scallops

Pat Dry the Scallops:
- Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the scallops to ensure a perfect sear.
Season the Scallops:
- Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Preheat the Grill:
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Infuse the Garlic:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Citrus and Seasoning:
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Keep Warm:
- Remove from heat and keep warm for basting.

Grill the Scallops

Place on Grill:
- Arrange scallops on the preheated grill, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Sear Until Golden:
- Grill for 2-3 minutes on one side, until a crisp golden crust forms.
Flip and Baste:
- Flip the scallops and immediately brush them with garlic butter sauce.
Finish Cooking:
- Grill for 1-2 more minutes until the scallops are opaque and tender.
- Be careful not to overcook, as scallops can turn rubbery.

Serve and Garnish

Plate the Scallops:
- Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with extra garlic butter.
Garnish with Lemon and Herbs:
- Add fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness.
Serve with Sides:
- Pair with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.

Pro Tips

For Extra Caramelization: Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before grilling.
For Even Cooking: Use large, dry-packed scallops (avoid wet-packed as they contain excess moisture).
For a Smokier Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter sauce.

Ingredients