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Grilled Garlic Butter Scallops

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time20 mins

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.

Grilled Garlic Butter Scallops

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
1

  • 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
2

  • 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
3

  • 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
4

  • 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
5

  • 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.

Nutrition Facts

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