Grilled Scallops Lemon Herbs (Printable version)

Perfectly seared scallops with lemon and fresh herbs, ready in 16 minutes for an elegant meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large sea scallops, dry-packed

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 tsp garlic, finely minced
05 - 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Serving

08 - Lemon wedges
09 - Extra chopped parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Remove the tough side muscle if present.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add the dried scallops to the bowl and gently toss to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
04 - Preheat the grill to high and oil the grates lightly.
05 - Place the scallops on the grill, leaving space between each. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are opaque and have a golden-brown crust.
06 - Remove from the grill, transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Restaurant quality results in under 20 minutes with minimal prep work
  • The bright lemon and fresh herbs let the scallops natural sweetness shine through
02 -
  • Overcooked scallops turn rubbery and tough: remove them from heat the moment they turn opaque throughout
  • Crowding the grill drops the temperature instantly, leading to steamed scallops instead of seared ones
03 -
  • Pat scallops completely dry before marinating: moisture prevents proper searing
  • Let scallops come to room temperature for 5 minutes before grilling for even cooking