This Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a low-calorie yet still luxurious meal on the grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Large sea scallops – Side muscle removed. Fresh or frozen scallops can be found at your local seafood market or grocery store.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is preferable due to its naturally rich taste, but any high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used instead.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic clove – Minced. Substitute garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
- Zest of 1 lemon – Lime zest can be used as an alternative.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped. Substitute with other fresh herbs such as cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Making Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter
- Ensure that the grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat and pat the scallops dry before grilling to help achieve a nice sear. Keep a close eye on the scallops while grilling to avoid overcooking, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- If grilling smaller scallops or if you’re concerned about them falling through the grates, consider using a grill basket or skewers to keep them secure.
- Accompany the grilled scallops with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Serve the sides alongside the grilled scallops with lemon butter sauce immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter
Equipment
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (907 g) large sea scallops side muscle removed
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Drizzle the scallops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the scallops on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden crust and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the scallops tender and juicy.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Stir in the lemon zest and let the mixture simmer for another minute. Season the lemon butter sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the scallops are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the grilled scallops. Sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
- Ensure that the grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat and pat the scallops dry before grilling to help achieve a nice sear.
- Keep a close eye on the scallops while grilling to avoid overcooking, as they can become tough and rubbery. If grilling smaller scallops or if you’re concerned about them falling through the grates, consider using a grill basket or skewers to keep them secure.
- Accompany the grilled scallops with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Serve the sides alongside the grilled scallops with lemon butter sauce immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Place any leftover grilled scallops with lemon butter in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat the scallops gently in a skillet over low heat. To prevent the scallops from drying out during reheating, consider adding a splash of broth or white wine to the skillet.
Questions About the Recipe
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before grilling.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked through?
Scallops are cooked through when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Can I grill scallops on skewers instead of directly on the grill grates?
Yes, threading scallops onto skewers can help prevent them from falling through the grill grates. Just make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.