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Sea Scallops on the Grill
Sea scallops cooked on the grill are a next-level treat. Scallops are mollusks or bi-valves, meaning they live in a shell, though most scallops available at fish stores and counters are removed from the shells. There are smaller bay scallops, which are seasonal, from the East coast, petite and very sweet, and there are larger sea scallops, which are what is called for here.
How to Choose Scallops
As with all fish and seafood, you must take care to buy the freshest items available. Scallops should be plump and moist looking (but not wet!), and smell of briny sea air. Ideally shellfish should be purchased on the day you plan to cook it.
If you are buying scallops in the shell, the shell should be closed, or just opened by the fishmonger at the time of purchase. Most sea scallops will be about 1 to 1 ½-inches in diameter. Typically the larger the scallop, the more expensive they are.
Make sure to ask for “dry” sea scallops, not wet, which have been preserved in a brine. Wet scallops are usually not as fresh, and also don’t sear up so nicely because of their higher water content. If that’s what you end up with, make sure to pat them dry very well before cooking them.
How to Skewer Scallops for Grilling
Pat the scallops dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towels. In a medium bowl gently toss the scallops with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Thread the scallops onto skewers. The best way to do this is to insert two skewers through the scallops in parallel fashion, keeping them close enough together that they both go through the center of the scallops without tearing it.
Once the first scallop is skewered this way, the others just have to be carefully slid onto the parallel skewers in similar fashion. Keep a tiny bit of space between the scallops.
How Long to Grill Scallops
Scallops need to be cooked until they are barely cooked through, which will take about 2 minutes per side on the grill for sea scallops, a minute or so longer on each side if they are especially large.
Grilled Scallops: Sweet briny sea scallops cooked on the grill are a luxurious summer treat.
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How to Grill Scallops
If you are using wooden skewers place them in a container with water to cover for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium high.
Thread the scallops onto skewers for grilling (see above for step-by-step instructions).
Carefully oil the grill rack. Grill the scallops over medium high heat until they turn opaque and are just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes in all, turning the scallops halfway during cooking.
Serve the scallops either on the skewers, or remove them and serve them on a serving platter or on individual plates. Serve them with a drizzle of Easy Lemon Butter Sauce if you like, or pass out little bowls of the sauce for dipping. Also if you want to cook scallops inside, try Perfect Pan Seared Scallops.
What to Serve with Grilled Scallops:
- Summer Whole Grain and Vegetable Salad
- Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad
- Tomatoes with Mint Basil Pesto
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Grilled Artichokes
Other Grilled Seafood Recipes:
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Grilled Scallops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
- If you are using wooden skewers place them in a container with water to cover for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium high.
- Pat the scallops dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towels.
- In a medium bowl gently toss the scallops with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Thread the scallops onto skewers. The best way to do this is to insert two skewers through the scallops in parallel fashion, keeping them close enough together that they both go through the center of the scallops without tearing it. Once the first scallop is skewered this way, the others just have to be carefully slid onto the parallel skewers in similar fashion. Keep a tiny bit of space between the scallops.
- Carefully oil the grill rack. Grill the scallops over medium high heat until they turn opague and are just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes in all, turning the scallops halfway during cooking.
- Serve the scallops either on the skewers, or remove them and serve them on a serving platter or on individual plates
Notes
Nutrition Information
The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
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