Description

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly grilled sea scallops, featuring a flavorful marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. This dish is ideal for a light and elegant seafood meal, ready in just 16 minutes.

Ingredients

Scallops

1 pound sea scallops (thawed if frozen)

Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Serving

Lemon wedges (optional)
Parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Dry the Scallops: Dab the sea scallops dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear on the grill.
Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Toss the scallops in this mixture and let them rest for a few minutes while you prepare the grill, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for quick cooking and nice grill marks.
Oil the Grill Grates: Using tongs, rub a paper towel soaked with oil over the grill grates to prevent the scallops from sticking during cooking.
Grill the Scallops: Remove scallops from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Season the scallops with salt and black pepper to taste. Place scallops on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and develop grill marks, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
Garnish and Serve: Remove grilled scallops from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

Notes

Do not overcook scallops; grilling 2-3 minutes per side is sufficient to maintain their tender texture.
If using frozen scallops, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent steaming.
You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
For an extra flavor layer, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to the marinade.
Use a clean grill or grill pan for the best results and proper searing.