Zesty Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Scallops sizzle with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Bright citrus notes mingle with robust garlic undertones, creating a sensational seafood experience.

Marine delicacies like these demand careful preparation and precise cooking techniques.

Professional chefs understand the delicate balance between maintaining tender textures and achieving golden-brown caramelization.

Succulent morsels promise an elegant dining moment that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Mastering this recipe means unlocking a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Rich, complex tastes await anyone willing to embrace culinary adventure with confidence.

Everything You Need for Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops

• Scallops: Delicate and sweet seafood that cooks quickly, best when fresh and plump with a bright white color. Look for dry-packed scallops for better grilling results.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Provides moisture and tangy flavor to enhance the scallops' natural taste. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic flavor and complements the seafood's delicate profile. Fresh garlic gives the best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall flavor and create a balanced taste profile.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright green color and light herbal note to the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a fresh citrus accent and allows guests to adjust the citrus flavor to their preference.

• Skewers: Helpful for easy handling and even cooking of scallops on the grill. Wooden or metal skewers work well.

Easy Instructions for Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops

Step 1: Ignite the Flame

Warm up your outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan to a toasty medium-high temperature. Let the surface get hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly minced garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Bath the Ocean Delights

Gently place scallops into the marinade bowl. Softly toss them so each piece gets a luxurious flavor coating. Let them relax and absorb the tasty mixture for 5 minutes, giving an occasional gentle stir.

Step 4: Skewer Adventure

If using wooden or metal skewers, carefully thread the scallops, leaving tiny spaces between each one. This ensures perfect cooking on all sides.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Carefully place scallops or skewered delights onto the heated grill surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into golden beauties with a slightly firm texture.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the grilled scallops to a beautiful serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and arrange bright lemon wedges alongside for a stunning presentation.

Pro Tips for Juicy Garlic Lemon Scallops

• Prevent Overcooking: Check scallops frequently during grilling, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long on heat.
• Ensure Dry Scallops: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before marinating to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Create Uniform Size: Choose scallops of similar size and thickness to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture across all pieces.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep grill heat at medium-high and avoid excessive flames to prevent burning while maintaining delicate scallop flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality sea scallops and recently squeezed lemon juice for maximum flavor and optimal grilling results.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm scallops in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving, as it can make scallops rubbery and tough, compromising their delicate texture and delicious flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Lemon Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate, zesty flavor of grilled scallops, cutting through the richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Create a Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olive oil to balance the scallops' delicate texture and enhance the garlic-lemon marinade.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: An oaked Chardonnay provides a creamy, smooth backdrop that highlights the scallops' tender, slightly charred exterior and helps amplify the garlic's warmth.
• Serve Alongside Herb Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and dill to echo the scallops' bright, clean flavors and add a nutritious, light grain component to the meal.

Flavor Twists on Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace olive oil with a blend of Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust, earthy flavor profile that complements the scallops' delicate texture.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Swap the salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning, adding cayenne pepper and paprika to create a zesty, bold taste that transforms the scallops into a vibrant seafood experience.
• Asian Sesame Infusion: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar and add sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce to create an umami-rich marinade that gives the scallops an authentic Asian-inspired essence.
• Caribbean Rum Glaze: Incorporate dark rum and a touch of brown sugar into the marinade, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a tropical, sweet-and-tangy twist on the classic grilled scallop recipe.

Garlic Lemon Scallops: Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should I marinate the scallops?

The scallops only need about 5 minutes in the marinade. Any longer might make them mushy, so keep the marinating time short to preserve their delicate texture.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them and pat them dry before marinating. Fresh scallops are always best, but frozen can work in a pinch if handled correctly.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these scallops in a hot grill pan on the stovetop or even under the broiler. Just watch them closely to prevent overcooking, as scallops can quickly become tough.

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden color and a slightly firm texture. They should take only 2-3 minutes per side. When they’re opaque and feel slightly springy to the touch, they’re ready to eat.

What Makes Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops So Irresistible

• The combination of garlic and lemon creates a vibrant, tangy flavor that awakens your taste buds with every bite.
• Scallops grill in just 4-6 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
• Achieve a gourmet seafood dish with minimal ingredients and simple grilling techniques that impress without complicated culinary skills.
• Scallops are lean, low-calorie protein that delivers amazing nutrition while offering a luxurious dining experience without heavy calories.

Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Grilled Garlic Lemon Scallops marry Mediterranean zest with oceanic freshness, creating a delicate seafood masterpiece. Delightful golden-seared scallops deliver bold citrus notes and herbaceous undertones, inviting you to savor summer’s elegant coastal flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large sea scallops (about 16 scallops)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a sizzling environment by heating the grill or grill pan to a robust medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking surface for delicate scallops.
2. Whisk together olive oil, freshly crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the marinade reaches a harmonious blend.
3. Gently immerse the scallops in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the vibrant mixture. Let them luxuriate for several minutes, periodically rotating to maximize flavor absorption.
4. For uniform cooking, carefully skewer the scallops, maintaining small intervals between each piece to promote even heat distribution and prevent overcrowding.
5. Position the skewered scallops onto the blazing grill, allowing them to caramelize and transform into golden medallions. Flip after 2-3 minutes, cooking until they develop a delicate firmness and exhibit a tantalizing exterior.
6. Transfer the expertly grilled scallops to an elegant serving platter, sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley for a verdant touch. Accompany with bright lemon wedges, inviting diners to enhance the seafood’s natural succulence with a citrusy squeeze.

Notes

• Quick marinading helps infuse rich garlic and zesty lemon flavors deeply into delicate scallops.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and sweetest taste during grilling.
• Ensure grill is properly heated to medium-high to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking.
• Skewers prevent small scallops from falling through grill grates and make turning easier during cooking.
• Watch cooking time carefully since scallops can quickly become rubbery if grilled too long.
• Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the most tender and succulent seafood experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg