If you're looking for a delicious summer dinner, grilled scallops are an excellent choice.
Scallops are a versatile seafood that can be prepared in a variety of ways, but grilling them is a great way to add a smoky flavour and crispy texture to your meal.
However, seasoning scallops for the grill can be tricky. This is because they are delicate and can easily become overpowered by strong flavours.
To prepare your scallops for the grill, start by patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them sear properly and prevent them from sticking to the grill.
Then, season them lightly with salt and pepper, or your favourite seafood seasoning.
Be careful not to over-season them, as scallops have a delicate flavour that can easily be overwhelmed.
Mastering the grilling technique for scallops is essential to ensure they cook evenly and don't become rubbery or tough.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the scallops on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly charred.
Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough and chewy.
Serve your grilled scallops with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favourite side dish for a delicious summer dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Pat scallops dry before grilling to ensure proper searing and prevent sticking.
- Season scallops lightly to avoid overpowering their delicate flavour.
- Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown sear.
Preparing Your Scallops for the Grill
Before you start grilling your scallops, it's important to prepare them properly to ensure they cook evenly and taste delicious.
In this section, we'll go over the steps you need to take to prepare your scallops for the grill.
Selecting the Best Scallops
When selecting scallops for grilling, it's important to choose the freshest ones you can find.
Look for scallops that are firm, plump, and have a sweet, briny smell.
Sea scallops are the best choice for grilling because they are larger and meatier than bay scallops.
If you're using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them properly before grilling.
Thawing and Drying
If you're using frozen scallops, it's important to thaw them properly before grilling.
To do this, place them in the fridge overnight or soak them in cold water for 30 minutes.
Once thawed, use paper towels to pat the scallops dry. This will help them brown evenly on the grill.
Marinating and Seasoning
To add flavour to your scallops, you can marinate them or season them with a dry rub.
For a simple marinade, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place the scallops in the marinade for 30 minutes before grilling.
If you prefer a dry rub, mix together your favourite seasoning blend with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil. Rub the seasoning onto the scallops before grilling.
Remember, scallops are naturally sweet and delicate, so be careful not to over-season them.
Fresh herbs, like tarragon or thyme, can also add a nice flavour to your scallops without overpowering them.
Mastering the Grilling Technique
Heating the Grill
Before you start grilling your scallops, make sure your grill is heated to high heat.
This will ensure that your scallops cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks that make them look and taste so delicious.
Use tongs to oil the grill grates and brush them clean before placing your scallops on the grill.
Grilling to Perfection
When grilling scallops, it is important to get those perfect grill marks.
To do this, place the scallops on a hot grill, and leave them undisturbed for about 3 minutes.
Then, flip the skewers and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are just barely cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled scallops make a perfect appetizer or main course.
Serve them with lemon wedges on the side for a bright and tangy flavour.
You can also serve them on a bed of arugula salad or alongside a pasta dish.
For a complete meal, add some grilled shrimp or lobster and some corn on the cob.
To add more flavour to your scallops, try marinating them in your favourite seasoning before grilling.
Wooden skewers are perfect for grilling scallops, as they won't conduct heat and burn the scallops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to marinate scallops for a barbecue?
Marinating scallops can add extra flavour to your dish.
To marinate scallops for a barbecue, mix together your preferred herbs, spices, and oil in a bowl.
Add the scallops and toss them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
How long should you cook scallops on a charcoal grill?
Scallops cook quickly on the grill, so it's important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Typically, scallops take about 2-3 minutes per side to cook on a charcoal grill. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops and the heat of the grill.
Which herbs and spices complement scallops when grilling?
Scallops have a delicate flavour, so it's best to use herbs and spices that won't overpower them.
Some herbs and spices that go well with scallops include garlic, thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. You can also use a simple mixture of salt and pepper to season your scallops.
Is it necessary to wash scallops prior to grilling them?
It's not necessary to wash scallops before grilling them.
However, it's important to remove the small side muscle from each scallop, as it can be tough and chewy.
To remove the muscle, gently pull it away from the scallop using your fingers or a small knife.
What's the ideal temperature to grill scallops without overcooking?
The ideal temperature to grill scallops is between 375-400°F.
If the grill is too hot, the scallops may overcook and become rubbery. If the grill is too cool, the scallops may not cook through properly.
Can you share a top-notch recipe for grilling scallops in their shells?
Sure! To grill scallops in their shells, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Rinse the scallops and pat them dry.
Place them on the grill, shell-side down, and grill for about 5 minutes.
Remove the scallops from the grill and carefully open the shells.
Brush the scallops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
Return the scallops to the grill and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.
Enjoy!