Grilled Scallops Recipe: How to Make Lemon Garlic Scallops

Grilled scallops are cooked over medium-high heat for beautiful char marks and a smoky flavor. Grilled scallops are lightly charred and just cooked through. A lemon garlic sauce is a popular marinade for grilled scallops.

Scallops are molluscs, like mussels, oysters, and clams. They’re unique in that they’re the only bivalve that can swim: Scallops use their large central muscle (called the adductor) to clasp their shells shut, shooting water out one end and propelling forward in the other direction. This big muscle is the part of the scallop that we eat. This muscle cooks quickly and is naturally tender, with a mild, sweet ocean flavor, like a seafood marshmallow. A brief sear on the grill is a common way of preparing scallops, which are high in free amino acids and sugars that easily form a deep golden-brown crust.

Follow these easy steps to make perfect, buttery grilled scallops:

1. 1. Clean the grill. Scallops have a delicate texture and flavor profile, so it’s essential to cook them on a clean surface to prevent unwanted flavors. When it’s time to cook, brush the grill grates with a high-heat neutral oil to keep the scallops from sticking to the grill.
2. 2. Remove the catch. Most scallop recipes call for gently pinching off the “catch” or side muscle before cooking. The catch is a small piece of muscle tissue on the side of the scallop that locks the shell in place when the scallop is in danger. It’s tough and opaque, like the tendons in a chicken leg, and the fibers run perpendicular to those in the rest of the scallop. It’s safe to eat, but a little chewy.
3. 3. Dry the scallops. Pat the scallops dry before cooking to ensure they develop a crispy brown crust.
4. 4. Prepare any toppings. Scallops cook very quickly, so it’s essential to have everything ready for serving before you cook them. You can marinate the scallops in a fresh lemon and herb dressing for up to thirty minutes before cooking to add flavor.
5. 5. Grill the scallops. Season with salt and pepper just before grilling. Grill the scallops for about two minutes per side. For easy flipping, try grilling the scallops on skewers. The scallops cook so quickly, so it’s important to keep them relatively close when flipping so they can develop grill marks without overcooking.

To make the best grilled scallops at home, consider these tips:

1. 1. Select large scallops. Use larger sea scallops rather than bay scallops, which may fall through the grates or cook too quickly. Jumbo and giant scallops are good choices for grilling since they take longer to cook.
2. 2. Use a fish spatula. Use a fish spatula to flip, or line scallops up on skewers so they’re easier to handle.
3. 3. Add extra flavor. Toss the scallops in a fresh lemon herb dressing before serving. You cam also brush the scallops with garlic butter and serve with lemon wedges.