These grilled scallops do not disappoint on flavour, especially when using larger sea scallops! They are doused in a rich garlic butter sauce, grilled in their shell on the BBQ and finished off with some lemon juice and fresh parsley. While it may sound a little intimidating to grill scallops in their shell, they are surprisingly easy to make and will impress any guest!

Garlic butter scallops

These grilled scallops are buttery, tender and melt in your mouth, just like you would expect at your favourite fancy restaurant. In this recipe, fresh scallops that are in their shell are doused in a homemade garlic butter made with melted butter and then cooked on an outdoor grill. This is such an easy recipe to make but is so impressive that it will give any dinner a little fancy flare.

Cooking Tips

Here are a few essential tips to ensure your grilled scallops turn out perfectly every time:

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the scallops. This helps create a nice sear and prevents sticking.
Avoid overcrowding: Give the scallops enough space on the grill to cook evenly. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than sear.
Handle with care: Don’t press down on the scallops with your spatula, as this can cause them to break apart.
Check the temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the scallops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Don’t overcook: Scallops cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove from the grill as soon as they are done.

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What are scallops?

Scallops are a type of shellfish that have a sweet, briny and delicate flavor. They are a bivalve mollusk, meaning the interior muscle is surrounded by two shells, similar to oysters, mussels and clams. You will find two varieties of scallops including sea or bay. Sea scallops will be much larger in size. They can be cooked many ways from grilled, baked, sautéed and even consumed raw! Before seasoning and cooking, place the scallops on a plate to ensure they are properly dried for a crispy texture.

Choosing the Right Scallops

When it comes to grilling scallops, selecting the right ones is crucial for achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Fresh scallops are always the best option, offering a sweet, briny flavor that’s hard to beat. However, if fresh scallops aren’t available, frozen scallops can be a great alternative. Just make sure they are properly thawed and patted dry before grilling.

Look for large sea scallops that are uniform in size, as this ensures even cooking. Fresh scallops should have a clean, ocean-like smell and no signs of sliminess. Avoid scallops packed in liquid, as they may not cook up as nicely. If you’re using frozen scallops, thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to achieve that beautiful golden brown sear on the grill.

What you need for grilled scallops

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious grilled scallops.

Scallops. You can use either frozen or fresh scallops in this recipe. When cooking seafood recipes, I always try and buy fresh! However, frozen scallops will be easier to find and much more affordable. When buying frozen scallops, look for local and wild caught. The scallops also need to be in their shell for this recipe.

Butter. I like to use unsalted butter in this recipe. Use melted butter for the garlic butter sauce to enhance the flavor.

Olive oil. I always recommend using extra virgin olive oil when you cook!

Garlic. I have used garlic confit in this recipe but fresh garlic will also work. Use up to 6 cloves of fresh garlic and finely chop them or mince in a garlic presser.

Parsley. Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme or rosemary bring a beautiful flavor to the garlic butter sauce.

Lemon wedges. Lemon wedges are grilled alongside the scallops. The lemon juice is the squeezed over the scallops at the end.

Salt and pepper. Salt and pepper is the only seasoning needed in this recipe.

Preparing Scallops for the Grill

Proper preparation is key to grilling scallops to perfection. Start by rinsing the scallops under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps remove any sand or grit and ensures they sear nicely on the grill. Next, check for and remove the adductor muscle, a small, tough piece on the side of the scallop that can be chewy when cooked.

Brush the scallops with a light coating of olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops and prepares them for a delicious grilling experience before we add all of that delicious garlic butter! Since we are grilling our scallops in the shell, we don’t need to worry about the scallops sticking to the grill. The shell also offers a pefect little plate for all that garlic butter sauce to pool into.

Grilling Scallops

Grilling scallops is a quick and rewarding process that brings out their natural sweetness and delicate texture. Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the scallops in their shell on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and have a beautiful golden brown sear. Flip over, add the garlic butter and repeat on the other side. If you’re using a grill pan, the process is similar. Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, making sure they are cooked through but still tender.

What to serve with scallops

Scallops are best served immediately so I always recommend serving them with a side dish that can be made beforehand. I love pairing grilled scallops with a lovely summery salad or some grilled vegetables.

Reheating Scallops

If you have leftover scallops, reheating them properly is key to maintaining their flavor and texture. The best way to reheat scallops is in a sauté pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. This method helps retain their moisture and prevents them from becoming rubbery. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it.

Reheated scallops may not be as tender and flavorful as freshly cooked scallops, so it’s best to enjoy them within a day or two of cooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious grilled scallops even after the initial meal.

If you make these lobster tails, please tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations!

Ingredients

Scallops

12 scallops in shell
1/2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp garlic butter
1 lemon sliced
Kosher sea salt

Garlic butter

2 bulbs garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp butter unsalted
1 tbsp parsley finely chopped
2 tbsp chives finely chopped
1 tsp chili flakes optional
kosher sea salt
black pepper

Instructions