Ingredients
1 pound sea scallops, thawed if frozen and thoroughly patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional marinade additions (choose one):
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
¼ teaspoon lemon zest for extra citrus flavor
1 teaspoon fresh chopped basil and parsley
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice and add 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing and browning.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon or lime juice, and any optional additions. Toss scallops gently in the marinade and let them rest for a few minutes while you preheat the grill.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Oil the grill grates liberally using a paper towel dipped in oil with a high smoke point (such as canola or vegetable oil) held with tongs to prevent sticking.
5. Remove scallops from marinade, discard the marinade, and season scallops with salt and pepper.
6. Place scallops directly on the grill grates and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust, become firm, and turn opaque inside. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
7. For smaller scallops, thread them onto wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent slipping through the grill grates.
8. Remove scallops from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌊 Use sea scallops rather than bay scallops for grilling because their larger size prevents falling through the grates.
🧊 Purchase dry scallops when possible, as wet scallops absorb water, hindering browning and fresh flavor.
🔥 Cook scallops quickly at medium-high heat; 2-3 minutes per side is sufficient. Overcooking causes toughness.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Marinating: A few minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 scallops
- Calories: 130-142 kcal
- Sodium: 445-462 mg
- Fat: 4.4-8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6-1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.7-4 g
- Protein: 14-19 g
- Cholesterol: 27-37 mg