Name: Grilled Scallops
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large sea scallops; 2-3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted; 1 Tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

These buttery grilled scallops are delicately seared to create a lightly browned crust then sprinkled with parmesan cheese as the final touch, all in under 15 minutes!

Why this recipe works

Our love for scallops knows no bounds. Their buttery tender interior against a browned crust produces the perfect balance between textures. So whether you pan-sear, grill, or bake scallops you can guarantee an easy yet satisfying starter or main course with hardly any effort. Simply toss in butter and seasonings, grill, and enjoy.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SCALLOPS – You will want to purchase sea scallops for this recipe. You may notice them labeled “wet” and “dry” at the grocery store. Wet scallops are soaked in a preservative to extend shelf life, but this causes the scallops to retain more moisture when cooked. We prefer to use dry sea scallops for this recipe. When selecting at the grocery store, try to find scallops that are uniform in size to ensure they all cook at the same rate.

How to Make Grilled Scallops

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients.
Place scallops into a medium mixing bowl and pour in the seasoning blend. Using gloved hands, toss to coat.
Preheat grill to 375 F.
Place scallops on hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Use tongs to carefully turn over and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and remove from grill.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do you store leftover grilled scallops?

Grilled scallops are best enjoyed right away as they spoil rather quickly, although you can store any leftover cooked scallops in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How do you know when scallops are done cooking?

Grilled scallops are done cooking when they are opaque in color, with the outside being lightly browned. Additionally, when you press down on a cooked scallop it should feel tender-firm and not overly squishy. If the scallops are squishy, they’re undercooked and if they are firm with not a lot of give, they are overcooked. Aim for around 115F on an instant-read thermometer if you want to be precise. As they sit off the grill they should rise in temperature a few degrees (normally around 10 degrees) at which they should be perfectly cooked.

Grilled Scallop on a seafood fork held above a plate of Grilled Scallops

Serving Suggestions

Garnish grilled scallops with parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice. Optionally serve as an appetizer or main course with a side of garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, or a light dinner salad.

More Scallop Recipes

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