Easy Grilled Scallops with Garlic Lemon in 20 Minutes

These tender garlic lemon scallops cooked on the grill take just 20 minutes for an easy, impressive dinner.  Grilling scallops is faster and easier than you’d think thanks to a flavorful garlic lemon marinade that keeps the quick-cooking scallops moist.

Savor the fresh burst of garlicky lemon flavor as you bite into these perfect scallops that look and taste like you fussed but only used a few ingredients and minimal time.

What are Scallops?

Scallops are tasty and tender white mollusks that live in two beautiful scallop shells hinged together under the sea. These round sea creatures with ridges and grooves have a delicately sweet flavor and buttery soft texture when cooked properly which kids and adults love.

Scallops are fun-looking premium seafood often served as a restaurant-quality dish, but grilling scallops at home takes just minutes for a fancy dinner minus the bill.

How to Buy the Best Scallops?

For deliciously sweet scallops with the perfect texture, choose dry sea scallops rather than wet at the store. Dry scallops mean the scallop wasn’t treated with preservatives and will caramelize up better with nice golden brown grill marks.

Always opt for scallops labeled fresh and ask your fishmonger when they come in. Bigger sea scallops about an inch in size cook up with the most succulence. Right before cooking scallops, sniff them to make sure they smell sweet like the ocean, not fishy.

Easy Grilled Scallops with Garlic Lemon in 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh sea scallops – look for dry packed scallops vs wet for the best texture and sear
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – use extra virgin for added flavor
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced – raw garlic adds a punch of flavor
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced – fresh lemon brightens the taste
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper – lightly season the scallops
• Aluminum foil sheets for easy grill cleanup

How to Make Grill Scallops

Step 1 – Pat Scallops Very Dry

Get paper towels and gently blot the scallops to remove any excess moisture. This helps them caramelize rather than steam.

Step 2 – Make Garlic Lemon Wet Rub

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 

Step 3 – Coat Scallops in Wet Rub

Put scallops in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the garlic lemon wet rub over top. Move scallops around to coat evenly and marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 4 – Grill Scallops on a Hot Clean Grill

Place foil on the grill to make cleanup easy. Sear scallops in batches without moving for 2 minutes to get nice grill marks. Flip only once.

Step 5 – Serve Immediately with Lemon Wedges

The tender scallops are done after just 4-5 minutes total over high heat. Plate and squeeze fresh lemon over top to enjoy.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Scallops

1. Get Perfect Grill Marks on Scallops

• Make sure your grill is very hot before adding scallops so they sear rather than steam. Let the grates preheat for 15 minutes.

• Resist the urge to move the scallops. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes so grill marks can form.

2. Keep Scallops from Sticking

• Oil the hot grates right before grilling scallops. Use a grill brush to evenly coat the grates.

• Rinse scallops and make sure they are petted very dry so they properly caramelize over the heat.

3. Check Internal Temperature  

• Scallops cook fast so gauge doneness by cutting into one. Opaque in the center means they’re ready after 2 minutes per side.

4. Add Extra Flavor

• Try adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or cilantro to the garlic lemon wet rub if desired. Grill lemon halves alongside scallops to squeeze over the top later.

Flavoring and Serving Suggestions

1. Make Them Pop with Fresh Flavors

• Right when taking scallops off the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. The heat helps the bright taste soak in.

• For extra zip, grate lemon zest over scallops or sprinkle with chopped oregano or parsley.

2. Easy Sides that Compliment Scallops

• Grilled scallops go great with rice pilaf, roasted asparagus, couscous, or a crisp green salad. The flavors complement without overpowering.

3. Dress Them Up with Sauces

• For more flavor, make lemon butter by mixing melted butter with lemon juice and garlic. Drizzle a little over the scallops when serving.

• Or add a dollop of pesto sauce on top—the herby green taste pairs nicely with sweet seafood.

4. Special Touches for Serving

• Consider lining plates with lemon or lime slices under the scallops for a colorful presentation.

• For parties, serve grilled scallops on skewers for a fun finger-food twist.

Conclusion

In only 20 minutes, these grilled garlic lemon scallops make for an easy yet impressive dinner to excite tastebuds of all ages. Kids will be wowed by grownup restaurant flavors using simple ingredients at home.

Unlike fussy seafood entrees, the quick grill time means juicy, tender scallops with a savory garlic kiss and fresh lemon zing. Plus fast cleanup thanks to foil! Why order out when you can gather around the family table feeling fancy but keeping your wallet happy?

Head to the store this weekend to grab sea scallops for a quick recipe sure to become a warm-weather favorite all summer long. Just ‘seriously – give these scallops with lemon garlic butter a try!

FAQs