Grilled Scallops with Lemon and Herbs

Name: Grilled Scallops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds large sea scallops; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; lemon wedges for serving

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These grilled scallops are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs, then seared to golden brown perfection on the grill. A quick and easy meal option that’s simple yet totally satisfying!

I try to serve seafood at least once a week for dinner. Some of my family’s favorite recipes include seafood pasta, shrimp boil and these fabulous grilled scallops.

A plate of grilled scallops garnished with parsley and lemon.

Scallops are one of my favorite ingredients to work with. They’re naturally tender and full of flavor and need little embelishment to create a great meal. These grilled scallops are coated in a quick marinade for the ultimate dinner with minimal work!

Grilled Scallops Ingredients

Bowls of marinade ingredients and a plate of raw scallops.

The ingredients for this recipe include sea scallops, as well as marinade ingredients including olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. The scallops are finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

HOW TO BUY SCALLOPS

You want to use the large sea scallops for this recipe, not the small bay scallops. Look for scallops that are uniform in size and color and smell fresh – they shouldn’t have a strong fishy aroma. You can typically find fresh scallops at the seafood counter of most grocery stores. Frozen scallops also work well, just make sure they’re completely thawed and pat them dry before use.

How do you make grilled scallops?

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic and seasonings. Add the scallops to the marinade and toss to coat. Soak the scallops for at least 15 minutes. You can either thread the scallops onto skewers or grill them without skewers. Place the marinated scallops on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until the scallops are opaque. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges, then enjoy!

Step by step shots showing how to marinate and grill scallops.

Tips for the perfect grilled scallops

I find it easier to thread small to medium size scallops onto skewers to grill them; that way you’ll be sure not to lose any of that precious seafood through the grill grates! If you have extra large scallops and are looking for a more elegant presentation, feel free to grill them without skewers.
This recipe works on both an outdoor grill and inside on a grill pan. The scallops can also be broiled in the oven.
Do not marinate your scallops for more than two hours. The lemon juice in the marinade can start to cook the scallops after that point.

Recipe FAQs

How do you know when scallops are done on the grill?

Scallops go from perfectly cooked to tough very quickly, so watch your seafood closely so that it does not overcook. The scallops will need to cook for 1-2 minutes per side. You’ll know when they are done because the flesh will be firm and opaque.

How do you keep scallops from sticking to the grill?

If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that the scallops do not stick to the grates. 1) Make sure your grill grates are very clean. If there are bits of food left on the grilling surface, the scallops will be more likely to stick. 2) Brush your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the scallops over the coals. 3) Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the scallops.

Grilled scallops served with couscous and green beans.

These grilled scallops make the perfect elegant dinner that’s sure to get rave reviews!

More seafood recipes to try

Grilled Scallops Video

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5 from 19 votes