Seafood lovers rejoice as these succulent garlic lemon scallops deliver a burst of oceanic flavor that dances across your palate.
Tender scallops seared to golden perfection make for an elegant yet simple dish that impresses with minimal effort.
The bright citrus notes and robust garlic punch combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.
Each delicate scallop promises a delightful combination of crisp exterior and silky smooth interior.
Packed with protein and bursting with zesty Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, these scallops elevate any weeknight dinner.
Fresh ingredients and a quick cooking technique ensure a memorable dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.
Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Calories: 233 kcal
Servings: 5
What You’ll Need for Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops
For Main Ingredients:
Scallops: Choose fresh, plump sea scallops with a creamy white color and slightly sweet ocean aroma, avoiding any fishy smell or discoloration.
Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth flavor that enhances the delicate seafood's natural taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a vibrant, zesty punch that complements the scallops' subtle sweetness.
Lemon: Pick bright, firm lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice and tangy citrus brightness.
Salt: Opt for sea salt or kosher salt to bring out the scallops' natural flavors without overpowering them.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth to the marinade.
For Garnish and Serving:
Parsley: Select crisp, bright green fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal note.
Lemon Wedges: Choose additional lemons for serving, providing a bright, acidic finish to the grilled scallops.
Skewers: Use wooden or metal skewers for easy grilling and elegant presentation of the scallops.
Tools for Grilling Garlic Lemon Scallops Right
Mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients together.
Whisk: Essential for blending olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper smoothly.
Skewers: Optional tool for easy grilling and elegant presentation.
Grill or grill pan: Key equipment for cooking scallops to golden perfection.
Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving scallops safely on the grill.
Serving platter: Needed for presenting the finished grilled scallops.
Easy Guide to Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops
Garlic Lemon Scallop Delight
Grill Preparation Ocean-fresh scallops deserve a smoking hot surface. Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, creating the perfect sizzling stage for these delicate seafood gems.
Flavor Fusion In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of black pepper. This magical marinade will transform ordinary scallops into a culinary masterpiece.
Scallop Bath Gently tumble the scallops in the marinade, allowing them to soak up all the tangy, aromatic goodness. Let them relax and absorb the flavors for a quick 5-minute seaside dance.
Grilling Magic Carefully place the scallops directly on the hot grill. Watch them transform from pale to golden, cooking about 2-3 minutes per side. They're ready when they turn slightly firm and develop those irresistible caramelized edges.
Finishing Touch Slide the perfectly grilled scallops onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a few bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of sunshine. Get ready to dive into a sea of flavor!
Tricks to Boost Flavor in Garlic Lemon Scallops
Seafood Swaps: Try replacing scallops with shrimp, jumbo prawns, or even tender pieces of white fish for a delightful twist on this classic grilling recipe.
Quick Marinade Magic: Let scallops sit in the lemon-garlic mixture for no more than 10 minutes to prevent the acid from breaking down the delicate protein, ensuring a tender and succulent result.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne into the marinade for an extra kick of heat that complements the scallops' mild flavor.
Herb Garden Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme in the marinade to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the simple yet elegant seafood dish.
Grill Pan Pro Tip: When using a grill pan indoors, make sure to pat scallops completely dry before grilling to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear without steaming the seafood.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops
Seaside Dinner Delight: Pair these succulent scallops with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor profile.
Mediterranean-Inspired Plate: Serve over a bed of herbed quinoa or couscous, adding texture and complementing the garlic-lemon marinade with Mediterranean flair.
Fresh Summer Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and a lemony vinaigrette to balance the grilled scallops' richness.
Elegant Appetizer Option: Arrange scallops on small crostini or toast points for an impressive party starter that looks gourmet but takes minimal effort to prepare.
Keep Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops Fresh
Advance Prep Magic: Marinate scallops up to 30 minutes before cooking, keeping them chilled in an airtight container to intensify flavor and save time during meal preparation.
Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked scallops in sealed containers within 2 hours of grilling, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without compromising taste or texture.
Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual scallops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to maintain quality for up to 3 months, ensuring best results when thawing slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Leftover Transformation: Repurpose grilled scallops by chopping and adding to salads, pasta dishes, or quick seafood stir-fries for delicious and efficient meal recycling.
Succulent grilled garlic lemon scallops emerge as a Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight that showcases delicate ocean flavors. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create an elegant dish perfect for seaside dining experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) large sea scallops (about 16 scallops)
2 tbsps olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prep Surface: Ignite grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for delicate seafood.
Marinade Creation: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients meld into a cohesive and aromatic liquid.
Scallop Infusion: Immerse scallops in marinade, gently coating each piece and allowing flavors to penetrate for 10-15 minutes, periodically turning to ensure comprehensive seasoning.
Skewering and Grilling: Thread marinated scallops onto skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces. Place skewered scallops on hot grill, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until surfaces turn golden brown and centers reach a tender, translucent state.
Presentation: Slide scallops from skewers onto a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges, inviting guests to enhance the dish’s bright, oceanic profile with a citrus accent.
Notes
Prevent Overcooking: Scallops cook rapidly and become rubbery if left too long; watch carefully and remove from heat when slightly translucent in center.
Marinade Timing: Limit marinating to 15-20 minutes maximum to prevent acid from breaking down delicate scallop proteins and turning them mushy.
Pat Dry Before Grilling: Remove excess moisture from scallops with paper towels to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
Skewer Selection: Use flat metal skewers to prevent scallops from spinning during grilling and ensure consistent, even cooking on all sides.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.