Perfectly Seared Buttery Grilled Scallops: An Easy 15-Minute Recipe for Seafood Lovers
Imagine tender, succulent scallops with a beautiful golden-brown crust, infused with rich butter and savory seasonings, then crowned with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. All of this, incredibly, can be yours in under 15 minutes! This recipe for Buttery Grilled Scallops transforms fresh sea scallops into a gourmet meal or impressive appetizer with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why This Grilled Scallop Recipe is a Must-Try
Our profound love for scallops stems from their unique combination of a sweet, buttery, and incredibly tender interior beautifully contrasted with a perfectly seared, slightly browned crust. This textural harmony is what makes them so irresistible. Whether you prefer pan-searing, grilling, or even baking scallops, you’re almost guaranteed an effortlessly elegant yet deeply satisfying starter or main course. This grilled version simplifies the process even further, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The secret lies in a quick seasoning blend and precise grilling, ensuring each scallop is cooked to perfection without becoming rubbery – a common pitfall for new scallop cooks.
This recipe truly works because it capitalizes on the scallop’s natural deliciousness. By coating them in a flavorful butter mixture and grilling them quickly over high heat, we achieve that coveted caramelized exterior while keeping the inside moist and delicate. It’s a technique that locks in their oceanic sweetness and adds a smoky depth that only grilling can provide. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table faster than you can order takeout!
Essential Ingredients for Your Grilled Scallops
Crafting these delectable grilled scallops requires just a handful of fresh ingredients, ensuring the natural taste of the seafood truly shines. You’ll find all specific measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions
- SCALLOPS – For this recipe, you’ll want to opt for large sea scallops. When you’re at the grocery store or fish market, you might encounter labels like “wet” and “dry” scallops. Wet scallops have been treated with a phosphate solution to extend their shelf life, which causes them to absorb more water. This extra moisture makes them difficult to sear properly, often resulting in a steamed rather than browned exterior. For the best results – that beautiful, golden crust we’re aiming for – we strongly recommend using dry sea scallops. They’re naturally sweeter and will achieve that perfect sear much more easily. When choosing your scallops, look for ones that are uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- UNSALTED BUTTER (Melted) – Butter is key to the luscious, tender texture and rich flavor of these grilled scallops. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, you can still use it, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the seasoning blend. Olive oil or a blend of olive oil and butter can also be used for grilling, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- GARLIC POWDER – This provides a foundational savory note that complements the sweet scallops beautifully. Garlic powder is preferred over fresh minced garlic for grilling because fresh garlic can burn easily over high heat, becoming bitter. Onion powder can be a nice addition for an extra layer of flavor.
- SALT & BLACK PEPPER – Simple yet essential for enhancing the natural taste of the scallops. Always use freshly ground black pepper for the best aroma and flavor. Consider using sea salt flakes for a pleasant textural contrast when sprinkling after cooking.
- GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE – The final touch! A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick and a slightly nutty flavor that elevates the grilled scallops. You can use freshly grated Parmesan for the best quality, but pre-grated works well too. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can make an excellent alternative finish.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky depth, while a dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle heat. Fresh herbs like finely chopped chives, dill, or tarragon mixed into the butter blend or sprinkled on top after grilling can also bring a wonderful freshness.
Mastering the Art of Grilled Scallops: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a concise, printable version complete with measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
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Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine your melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This creates a flavorful coating that will infuse the scallops with savory goodness and help achieve that beautiful sear.
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Coat the Scallops: Place your dry sea scallops into a medium mixing bowl. Pour the prepared seasoning blend over the scallops. It’s best to use gloved hands for this step to ensure each scallop is thoroughly and evenly coated with the butter and spices. Gentle tossing will prevent the delicate scallops from breaking apart.
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, aiming for around 375°F (190°C). For best results and to prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the scallops. This high heat is crucial for achieving that desirable crust.
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Grill the First Side: Carefully place the seasoned scallops directly onto the hot grill grates. Cook them for 3-5 minutes. Resist the urge to move them too soon; this allows a beautiful crust to form. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your scallops and the actual heat of your grill.
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Flip and Finish: Using tongs, carefully turn each scallop over. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the second side. You’re looking for a beautiful opaque color throughout, with a firm yet tender feel when gently pressed. Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become rubbery quickly.
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Parmesan Finish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the grilled scallops generously with grated Parmesan cheese while they are still on the grill or immediately after removing them. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating an even more irresistible flavor. Remove from the grill and serve hot!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Scallops
Grilled scallops are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking to savor their optimal texture and flavor. Seafood tends to spoil quickly, so prompt consumption is recommended. However, if you do have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days. To reheat, avoid high heat which can make them rubbery. Gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or in a low oven until just heated through.
Perfectly cooked grilled scallops will be opaque throughout and have a beautiful lightly browned, caramelized crust on the outside. When you gently press down on a cooked scallop, it should feel tender-firm with a slight give. If it feels overly squishy, it’s likely undercooked and needs a little more time. If it’s very firm with little to no give, it’s probably overcooked and might be rubbery. For precise cooking, use an instant-read thermometer; scallops are done when their internal temperature reaches around 115°F (46°C). Remember that they will continue to cook slightly (carryover cooking) for a few minutes after being removed from the grill, typically rising about 5-10 degrees, reaching that perfect tender state.
Any type of grill can work for scallops, as long as it can reach and maintain a medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Gas grills offer easy temperature control, while charcoal grills impart a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re concerned about scallops falling through the grates, consider using a grill pan or a specialized grill basket designed for delicate foods.
Preventing sticking is crucial for beautiful scallops. First, ensure your grill grates are clean. Use a grill brush to remove any residue. Second, preheat your grill thoroughly to the recommended temperature. Hot grates are less likely to stick. Third, lightly oil the scallops themselves as part of the seasoning process (the butter blend helps with this), and optionally, lightly oil your clean, hot grill grates just before placing the scallops. Finally, resist the urge to move the scallops before they’ve had a chance to form a crust (about 3-5 minutes per side). Once the crust forms, they will naturally release from the grates.
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but proper thawing and preparation are essential for good results. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water. Once thawed, it’s absolutely crucial to pat them extremely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so remove as much liquid as possible before seasoning and grilling.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Grilled Scallops
These buttery grilled scallops are so flavorful they can stand alone as a star appetizer, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and memorable meal. For a simple yet elegant finish, garnish them with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice – the acidity brightens the rich flavors. A scattering of fresh chopped parsley or chives also adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Consider serving them as a luxurious starter alongside:
- Garlic Butter Pasta: A light pasta tossed in garlic butter or olive oil allows the scallops to be the main focus while providing a comforting base.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs offer a healthy and colorful accompaniment.
- Light Dinner Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scallops.
- Creamy Risotto: For a more indulgent meal, a lemon or mushroom risotto makes a fantastic partner.
- Quinoa or Couscous: Light and fluffy grains seasoned with herbs and a little lemon zest offer a wholesome and satisfying side.
For beverage pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied Chardonnay will complement the delicate flavors of the seafood perfectly.
Explore More Delicious Scallop Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with scallops and are looking for more ways to enjoy this incredible seafood, here are some other fantastic recipes to try, each offering a unique flavor and cooking experience:
- Fried Scallops: A classic preparation that results in a crispy, golden coating around tender scallops.
- Scallop Pasta: Combine delicate scallops with your favorite pasta and a rich, creamy sauce for an unforgettable meal.
- Air Fryer Scallops: Achieve perfectly cooked, tender scallops with a nice sear, all with the convenience of your air fryer.
- Pan-Seared Scallops: A quick and popular method that creates a beautiful crust and juicy interior on the stovetop.
- Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet scallops enveloped in crispy, savory bacon.
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Grilled Scallops
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound large sea scallops
- 2-3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Things You’ll Need
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Grill
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Tongs
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- Always choose dry sea scallops for best searing results. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry.
- Aim for uniform scallop sizes for even cooking.
- Grilled scallops are best fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently.
- Scallops are done when opaque with a browned exterior, feeling tender-firm when pressed. Use an instant-read thermometer for precision (115°F internal temp).
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well.
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Place scallops into a medium mixing bowl and pour in the seasoning blend. Using gloved hands, toss gently to coat each scallop evenly.
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Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled.
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Carefully place scallops on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing a crust to form without moving them.
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Use tongs to gently turn scallops over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until opaque and tender-firm.
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Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and remove immediately from the grill. Serve hot.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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