Best Ever Grilled Scallops

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of summer like perfectly grilled scallops. Their delicate sweetness and tender texture, kissed by a quick sear on the grill, make them a star at any cookout or weeknight dinner. The “Best Ever Grilled Scallops” recipe guarantees a flavorful, simple, and elegant dish that delights both seafood lovers and novices alike—delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why These Really Are the Best Ever Grilled Scallops

What sets this recipe apart is its straightforward approach to highlighting the naturally sweet, briny flavor of scallops. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a fast marinade, the scallops cook up juicy inside with just a hint of smoky char. Their versatility means you can serve them as an appetizer or as a protein atop salads, pastas, or grain bowls.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

A short marinade infuses the scallops with bright citrus, subtle garlic, and a touch of heat, enhancing without overpowering their delicate flavor. Let the scallops sit briefly (no more than 30 minutes) to keep them tender. This step ensures every bite is juicy, savory, and satisfying.

How to Grill Scallops Like a Pro

Grilling scallops couldn’t be simpler. Use skewers for easy flipping and even cooking, and make sure your grill is clean and hot, so you get that iconic sear without sticking. Two to three minutes per side is all it takes—overcooked scallops become rubbery, so keep a close eye. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to finish.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Scallops

Serve these scallops over a bed of greens, alongside grilled vegetables, or over creamy risotto. For added flair, garnish with chopped chives, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a touch of chili crisp for a modern twist. Their bold yet clean profile makes them a fantastic centerpiece or a delicious part of a seafood spread.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving containing about 130 calories, 1g carbohydrate, and 25g of lean protein (not including side dishes). Scallops are a nutrient-rich, low-fat seafood, making them an ideal choice for healthy meal plans.

Best Ever Grilled Scallops (Recap)

With their irresistible flavor and fast, foolproof preparation, these grilled scallops are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or looking to upgrade your weeknight meals, this recipe consistently delivers rave-worthy results.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a ready-to-use shopping list, sorted by grocery aisle—so you never miss an ingredient and can plan balanced seafood meals with ease.

Instructions

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and remove the small side muscle if still attached.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add scallops to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let them marinate for 15–30 minutes in the fridge, but no longer for best texture.
4. Preheat your grill to high and oil the grates well. Thread scallops onto skewers for easy cooking.
5. Grill scallops over direct heat for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, turning once. Avoid overcooking.
6. Transfer scallops to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

These grilled scallops are not just a summer highlight, but also a perfect fit for meal preppers and planners. Schedule this recipe to map out your seafood night, effortlessly add the ingredients to your weekly shopping list, and streamline your entire meal plan.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates ingredient totals when paired with other recipes
• Categorizes your shopping list by grocery section for speedy shopping
• Prevents overbuying and forgotten items while reducing food waste
• Keeps your dinner routine exciting and organized

Pro tip: Schedule other grill-friendly sides or salads to save even more time and fully coordinate your meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 36–51 minutes