Grilled scallops have a buttery taste and they take just minutes to make at home. Simply toss scallops with a bit of olive oil, garlic and lemon & grill.
Scallops seem fancy but are honestly easy to make!
What Are Scallops?
Scallops are mollusks that come in large and petite sizes.
- Smaller scallops are called bay scallops and are great in seafood chowder, cooked in sauce, or added to pasta dishes.
- Larger scallops are called sea scallops and are often served wrapped in bacon, cooked in foil, or threaded onto skewers and grilled, kebab style!
Ingredients/Variations
Like shrimp scampi, these scallops have a very basic preparation. A bit of lemon, some garlic, and olive oil.
SCALLOPS
Use larger sea scallops in this recipe.
SEASONINGS
Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper are used to flavor these scallops! I’ve included a few of our favorite variations in the recipe below as well.
How to Make Grilled Scallops
Just see how easy it is to make grilled scallops!
- Pat scallops dry and toss with the marinade.
- Grill scallops on a greased grate over medium heat.
- Remove from grill and season.
Grilling Tip If your scallops are on the smaller side, thread them on a skewer to keep them from slipping into the grates. If using wood skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes first so they don’t burn on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled scallops are the star of the show and are great with simple sides like oven roasted asparagus or sesame ginger snap peas.
A simple pasta dish with a fresh light sauce or pesto is great too.
Tips for Perfect Scallops
- Thaw frozen scallops in the refrigerator and drain any liquid. Dab them dry before marinating.
- Choose uniformly shaped scallops so they cook at the same rate.
- Do not overcook. Scallops should be opaque, firm, and lightly browned on the edges.
Once cooked, scallops will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. The best way to reheat them is to heat a little olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat so they reheat slowly.
Quick & Easy Seafood
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – ready in 15 minutes
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Coconut Shrimp Curry – so flavorful
- Garlic Grilled Shrimp
- Creamy Seafood Chowder – rich & creamy
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Did you make these Grilled Scallops? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
Quick and Easy Grilled Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and black pepper to taste
- lemon wedges and parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Dab scallops dry with a paper towel.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice (and any additions below if using). Toss with scallops and let rest a few minutes while grill preheats.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Once the grill is heated, oil the grates by adding oil to a paper towel and using tongs to rub the oil on the grates.
- Remove scallops from the marinade (discard marinade) and season scallops with salt & pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or just until opaque.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest (for a stronger lemon flavor)
- 1 teaspoon each fresh chopped basil and parsley
- replace lemon juice with lime juice and add 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Seafood, Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Delicious and easy.
I used avocado oil instead of olive oil
I am glad it worked! Thanks for letting us know.
Easy and delicious! My favourite recipes.
Is medium heat like 350°?
Medium heat is between 300°F and 400°F. Enjoy!
Oh, Holly! Seeing these succulent looking ocean scallops cooked just like I like them makes me want to cry! . I haven’t had them in months and months because they cost $30/lb here. And we’re 35 miles from Ocean City MD. Scallops have always been my favorite food, period, since I was a little girl. Right now, your gorgeous picture will have to do! Thanks….for breaking my heart.
I really hope you can enjoy them soon, Susan! ❤️
I added Jalapeño Bacon Jam from Pucker Butts as a garnish. Made it even more delicious.
Ooohh that sounds yummy John!
They came out Excellent!! Delish!!
So glad you loved these Kate!
Always looking for seafood recipes
I love to bake stuff.
I wish you could bake me some cookies