Variation
Citrus Zest: Add lime or orange zest to the herb oil for a tropical flare.
Dinner · Seafood · Main Course · American
Grilled Sea Scallops With Garlic Herb Oil
These succulent grilled sea scallops are finished with a vibrant garlic and parsley oil for a light, elegant summer dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Scallop Prep
- 1
Remove Tough Muscle
Check the side of each scallop for the small, rectangular 'foot' muscle and pinch it off.
Tip: Dry-packed scallops are essential as they don't release excess water and sear much better.
- 2
Dry Thoroughly
Pat the scallops extremely dry on all sides using paper towels.
Tip: Moisture is the enemy of a good crust. The drier the surface, the better the sear.
How to Make Grilled Sea Scallops With Garlic Herb Oil
Total time: 20 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Prepare the Herb Oil
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Set aside to let the flavors infuse at room temperature while you grill.
- 2
Preheat and Season
Preheat your grill to high heat (about 230 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat the dried scallops with avocado oil, salt, and pepper just before they hit the grates.
- 3
Grill the Scallops
Place scallops on the clean, oiled grill grates. Grill undisturbed for 2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and they release easily from the metal.
- 4
Flip and Finish
Flip carefully and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The scallops should be opaque throughout but still slightly soft to the touch.
- 5
Dress and Serve
Remove from the grill immediately to avoid overcooking. Drizzle the prepared garlic herb oil generously over the hot scallops and serve with lemon wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Use a cast iron griddle on the grill if your grates have wide gaps to prevent smaller scallops from falling through.
- Always look for 'dry' scallops at the fish counter; 'wet' scallops are treated with phosphates that prevent proper browning.
- Do not salt the scallops too early as it draws out moisture; season right before they go on the heat.
What to Serve with Grilled Sea Scallops With Garlic Herb Oil
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Over a bed of creamy polenta
- Alongside a crisp arugula salad
- With a side of toasted sourdough bread
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of chili crisp to the finished oil.
Variation
Herb Swap: Use fresh tarragon or basil instead of parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Storage & Reheating
Scallops are best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours and gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when grilled sea scallops are done?
They should feel slightly firm but have a bit of 'give' when pressed, similar to the feel of your palm. The center should be opaque.
Do I need to soak scallops before grilling?
No, you should never soak scallops. You want them as dry as possible to achieve a proper sear and prevent them from steaming.
Can I use frozen scallops for this grilled sea scallops recipe?
Yes, but they must be completely thawed in the refrigerator and patted very dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Should I use skewers for grilled sea scallops?
Skewers can make flipping easier, but ensure they are threaded through the flat sides so the scallops maintain contact with the grill grates.
Why did my scallops stick to the grill?
Stickiness usually happens if the grill wasn't hot enough or if you tried to flip them too early. They will naturally release when the crust is formed.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Dinner · Side Dish · Comfort Food
Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
50 min4.8
Beef · Main Dish · Grilling
Balsamic Glazed Steak Skewers with Blackberry Relish
30 min4.5
Dinner · Pork
Blackberry Thyme Glazed Pork Chops
30 min4.7
Appetizer · Side Dish
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
25 min5
Dinner · Seafood · Sandwiches
Lobster Rolls With Lemon Chive Butter
30 min4.8
Dinner · Side Dish · Comfort Food
Old-Fashioned Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
30 min4.4
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.