![- 1 pound fresh sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving Garlic and butter grilled scallops are a tasty treat. The main stars are the fresh sea scallops. You want to pick scallops that look plump and shiny. Aim for ones that smell fresh, like the ocean. Butter gives the dish richness. I prefer unsalted butter to control the salt levels. Fresh garlic adds a punch. Minced garlic gives a lovely aroma when cooked. For added flavor, use fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds color. Lemon juice brings a zesty kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. When serving, add lemon wedges. They enhance the dish's flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops for a burst of freshness. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. - Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan to prevent sticking. - Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Season scallops with salt and pepper. - Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes per side. - Brush garlic butter mixture over scallops in the last minute of grilling. Cooking scallops is simple and quick. You want a nice golden crust on each side. If you follow these steps, your scallops will be tender and full of flavor. Use the garlic butter from earlier for a rich taste. Don't forget to check for doneness! They should be opaque in the center. For more details, check the Full Recipe. When selecting scallops, always look for fresh ones. Fresh scallops have a sweet smell, like the sea. They should be firm and shiny. If you choose frozen, make sure they are properly stored. Frozen scallops can be great, but fresh often taste better. Scallops come in different sizes. The larger the scallop, the more meat you get. I recommend using U-10 scallops. These are large, and they grill nicely. Always check for quality. Good scallops should not have any off smells or discoloration. To get that nice golden color, heat your grill to medium-high. This is key for a perfect sear. If the grill is too cool, the scallops will steam instead of sear. Avoid overcooking! Scallops cook fast, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Once they turn opaque in the center, they are done. If they feel tough, you’ve cooked them too long. Keep a close eye on them! You can add more flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, dill, or basil work well with scallops. A pinch of chili flakes adds a nice kick. Pair your scallops with simple sides. A light salad or roasted veggies complement the dish perfectly. You can also serve them over pasta or rice for a heartier meal. Want to try a new twist? Check the full recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can make garlic and butter grilled scallops even better. Want some heat? Add chili flakes. A pinch will bring a nice kick. If you like citrus, try lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Each option gives a fresh twist to the dish. You can mix and match to find what you love most. Not in the mood for grilling? You can pan-sear the scallops. Heat some oil in a pan and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice crust and keeps them juicy. Another choice is oven-baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the scallops for 10 minutes. Either way, you’ll get a tasty meal. How you serve the scallops can change the whole dish. Try them over pasta or rice for a filling meal. The garlic butter will blend well with the carbs. You can also toss them into a salad. The scallops add protein and flavor to greens. You can explore these options and find your favorite way to enjoy garlic and butter grilled scallops. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store cooked scallops, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. Make sure they are cooled to room temperature before sealing. I recommend using them within 2 days for the best taste. When reheating scallops, use low heat. You can use a skillet or oven. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them rubbery. Heat them gently until warm to keep their nice texture. Yes, you can freeze scallops! To freeze scallops, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover them and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight for safe use. The best scallops for grilling are fresh sea scallops. They have a sweet flavor and a firm texture. You can also use bay scallops, but they are smaller and cook faster. Fresh scallops are usually more tender and tasty than frozen ones. If you choose frozen, make sure to thaw them properly. Look for scallops that are moist and shiny, not dry or discolored. You can tell when scallops are done by their color and texture. They should turn a nice golden brown and be opaque in the center. Each scallop should feel firm to the touch. If they are still translucent or mushy, they need more time on the grill. Typically, they take about 2-3 minutes per side to cook. Yes, you can make garlic butter ahead of time. Just melt the butter and mix in minced garlic, then let it cool. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it gently. This way, you save time on cooking day. It also allows the flavors to meld nicely. Check the [Full Recipe] for more tips on making the perfect garlic butter! This blog post guides you through grilling fresh sea scallops. We covered ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods. By following the steps, you can enjoy perfectly grilled scallops topped with garlic butter. Remember to choose high-quality scallops for the best taste. Try different flavors or serving styles to keep things fresh. Now, you have the tools to impress your guests with a great dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of your delicious scallops.](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/94695bac-2781-4a9c-8d6d-5834326d4c46-300x300.webp)
Garlic and Butter Grilled Scallops
Savor the flavors of summer with these delicious Garlic & Butter Grilled Scallops! Made with fresh sea scallops, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon, this easy recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, these scallops are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.