Scallops are a deliciously lean dinner option that can be quickly prepared on the grill. This recipe features a lemon herb dressing and fresh parsley to enhance their natural flavors.
If you’re going to grill scallops, make sure that your grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Brush a paper towel in oil and wipe it across the grates to help prevent the scallops from sticking.
Preparation
Scallops are one of the best-value proteins around, and they’re delicious grilled. High heat brings out the scallops’ natural flavor and gives them a nice, crisp char. It’s important to cook the scallops at just the right point of doneness, so they don’t end up overcooked and rubbery. And although this recipe isn’t the traditional way to grill scallops, it is absolutely a great way to make them.
Before you start cooking, prepare the scallops to grill by blotting them dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt on both sides. Make sure your grill grates are very clean and well oiled before placing the scallops on them, to prevent sticking.
It’s also important to choose quality scallops if you want to get the most out of this recipe. Look for medium-sized sea scallops and avoid bay scallops, which are much smaller and harder to grill. Also, try to find shellfish that is wild-caught or caught in the US, as farmed scallops can be pumped full of salt and water preservative solutions that you don’t want to eat.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can also sear the scallops in a hot skillet with some of the butter mixture, instead. They’re even easier to cook this way, and you can still achieve a lovely, golden brown grilled finish on them.
Cooking Time
Scallops are quick and easy to cook on the grill, so they can be a great appetizer or main course. They also work beautifully as a side dish for grilled steak or roasted chicken.
It’s important to buy scallops that are fresh and in season if possible. Look for a bright white color and avoid scallops that are brown or have a strong fishy odor. You may also want to avoid scallops that appear wet or have a lot of water in them. These scallops have been soaked in a salt-and-water preservative solution and will not taste as fresh.
When buying scallops, check the shells to make sure they are tightly closed. Tap them gently and if they close up, the scallops are likely to be very fresh. If they are open, the scallops will have absorbed too much water and won’t have that nice, crisp sear. It’s also a good idea to buy scallops that are all around the same size for even cooking.
When grilling scallops, use a high heat to achieve a nice golden sear on each side. After about 2-3 minutes, the scallops should be cooked through and tender to the touch. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become rubbery and lose their delicate texture. This recipe works well with both gas and charcoal grills. If you are using a charcoal grill, be sure to light the coals before beginning to prepare the scallops so that the grill is hot enough for a good sear. You will also need to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the scallops from sticking.
Checking for Doneness
Scallops are one of those delicate, delicious foods that can be intimidating for a beginning cook. It can be difficult to tell when they are done and overcooked scallops have a tough texture. The key to cooking scallops perfectly is speed and precise timing. This is especially important when they are used in recipes that call for them to be grilled or sauteed, since overcooking them quickly can cause them to become chewy.
First, it’s important to rinse and pat scallops dry thoroughly with a paper towel before cooking them. Moisture inhibits browning, which is essential to the scallops’ flavor. After that, they need to be seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper. If you’re skewering them, they should be carefully threaded onto parallel skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked first) with enough space between each scallop to allow the heat and butter to reach each scallop’s center without burning or tearing the flesh.
When you’re ready to grill or saute the scallops, place a pan over medium high heat and add oil. When the oil shimmers, add the scallops and cook them until they are golden brown on one side and then flip them. You should also add butter to the pan during this time and swirl it around with the scallops until it is browned and nutty smelling, which gives the scallops a great flavor.
Storage
Fresh, delicious, easy and quick to prepare, grilled scallops are the perfect seafood recipe for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Skip the heavy marinades, glazes and fancy seasonings to let these natural beauties shine! With just six simple ingredients and a few minutes on the grill, this delicious grilled seafood meal is sure to impress!
Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly coated with vegetable oil to prevent the scallops from sticking. This ensures that they cook evenly and don’t stick together or tear. You can also lightly brush the grates with oil to help them resist burning, but don’t use cooking spray as it may interfere with the flavor of your scallops.
It’s important to store scallops properly to maintain their freshness and quality until you’re ready to use them. Keep them on ice and patted dry in their packaging while they’re waiting to be cooked, if possible. If you don’t have ice or a way to store the scallops in their packaging, refrigerate them immediately. Be sure to check them frequently for signs of spoilage, like a fishy smell or slimy texture.
Another option is to smoke your scallops, which will give them a delicious smoky flavor while preserving their freshness and quality. If you choose this method, follow proper canning techniques and be sure to label and date the packages for optimal storage.
