• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Recipes Blog
  • Fall Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Seafood Recipes » Grilled Scallops

    Grilled Scallops

    Last updated: Sep 12, 2023 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This recipe for grilled scallops is easy and delicious. Ready in about 20 minutes and bursting with flavor, it's the ideal summer recipe.

    It's perfect for your outdoor gas grill, but you can make it anytime during the year if you opt for an electric grill or a grill pan.

    Grilled scallops served on a white plate.

    Scallops are a delicacy. Recipes like baked scallops, seared scallops, and bacon-wrapped scallops are always a hit.

    These grilled scallops are excellent. The spice combination - garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper - is bold and flavorful. The olive oil adds earthiness, and the lemon juice brightens the dish. It's a delightful summer recipe, a true crowd-pleaser.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Grilled Scallops Instructions
    • Expert Tip
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storing Leftovers
    • More Scallop Recipes
    • Recipe Card

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to grill scallops.

    Here's a look at the ingredients needed to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    • Scallops: You'll need one pound of large sea scallops. This is about 24 scallops. Make sure to use sea scallops and not bay scallops in this recipe.
    • Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil has the best flavor, but you can use a lighter olive oil if you prefer an oil with a higher smoke point.
    • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed tastes best.
    • To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
    • Optional garnishes: Lemon slices and chopped parsley.

    Variations

    • Melted butter or ghee are excellent substitutions for olive oil. I love the flavor they add.
    • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but bottled will work too. You can also use lime instead of lemon.
    • Using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor to the scallops.
    • Cilantro works well as a substitute for parsley. Its flavor is more potent, but to those who like cilantro, that's a plus.

    Grilled Scallops Instructions

    Here's an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The detailed instructions are included in the recipe card below.

    Soak 16 short (8-inch) bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the hot grill.

    Bamboo skewers soaked in water.

    Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Add the scallops and toss to coat. I use my hands to ensure the scallops are well coated, but you can use a large spoon.

    Mixing the marinade in a bowl.
    Coating the scallops in the marinade.

    Preheat a gas grill, an electric grill, or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grill. Thread the scallops onto the skewers. Thread three scallops onto 2 skewers to make them easy to turn. Grill until opaque, about 3 minutes per side.

    Threading the scallops onto skewers.
    Grilling the scallops.

    Serve the scallops immediately, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley. The garnishes are optional, but I recommend using them. They add color and flavor to the dish.

    Serving the scallops.

    Expert Tip

    This recipe calls for large sea scallops. You shouldn't use small bay scallops in this recipe. They're tiny and are more suitable for stir-frying, ceviches, or salads.

    Sea scallops and bay scallops on a plate, in a photo that shows the difference between them.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I know when the scallops are done?

    Scallops are done when golden brown, firm to the touch, and opaque.
    If using an instant-read thermometer, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F; America's Test Kitchen says 115°F is ideal since the temperature will continue to climb and reach 130°F.

    What is the best way to cook scallops?

    I love all of them - grilled scallops, baked scallops, broiled scallops, and seared scallops. Searing them in butter in a cast-iron skillet has the advantage of creating a delicious brown crust, so that's an advantage of searing.

    Do you cook scallops on medium or high heat?

    I usually cook them over medium-high heat. This works exceptionally well for seared scallops because it helps create a beautiful - and flavorful - brown crust.

    Serving Suggestions

    This light summer dish is best paired with a make-ahead salad, such as:

    • Tomato salad
    • Asparagus salad
    • Arugula salad
    • Broccoli salad
    • Cucumber salad
    • Cauliflower potato salad
    • Cucumber tomato salad

    Alternatively, I serve it with lightly steamed vegetables such as steamed broccoli, steamed asparagus, or steamed carrots.

    Storing Leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

    Grilled scallops served on a white plate.

    More Scallop Recipes

    • Baked scallops served in an oval dish.
      Baked Scallops
    • Seared scallops served on a white plate.
      Seared Scallops
    • Bacon-wrapped scallops served on a white plate.
      Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
    • Broiled scallops served on a white plate with parsley.
      Broiled Scallops

    👩🏻‍🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe Card

    Grilled scallops served with lemon slices.
    5 from 24 votes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Print Recipe

    Grilled Scallops

    This recipe for grilled scallops is easy and delicious. Ready in about 20 minutes and bursting with flavor, it's the ideal summer recipe.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 177kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound large sea scallops (24 scallops)
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
    • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Optional garnishes:

    • 1 lemon sliced
    • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped

    Instructions

    • Soak 16 short (8-inch) bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.
    • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
    • Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
    • Add the scallops and toss to coat. I use my hands.
    • Preheat a gas grill, an electric grill, or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grill.
    • Thread the scallops onto the skewers. Thread three scallops onto 2 skewers to make them easy to turn.
    • Grill until opaque, about 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    • This recipe calls for large sea scallops. You shouldn't use small bay scallops in this recipe. They're tiny and are more suitable for stir-frying, ceviches, or salads.
    • Scallops are done when they are golden brown, firm to the touch, and opaque.
      If using an instant-read thermometer, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F; America's Test Kitchen says 115°F is ideal since the temperature will continue to climb and reach 130°F.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.

    Nutrition per Serving

    Serving: 6scallops | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 587mg
    SubscribeI aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon
    DisclaimersMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

    ❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.

    More Seafood Recipes

    • Grilled mahi mahi served on a white plate with lemon slices.
      Grilled Mahi Mahi
    • Sautéed shrimp served on a white plate with a napkin.
      Sautéed Shrimp
    • Lobster salad served in a dark bowl.
      Lobster Salad
    • Blackened salmon served with lemon slices.
      Blackened Salmon

    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
    Each comment is reviewed before being published. We reserve the right to publish, delete, or edit comments.

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Vered DeLeeuw.

    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered DeLeeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    👩🏻‍🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Fall Recipes

    • Roasted pumpkin on a baking sheet.
      Roasted Pumpkin
    • Cabbage casserole served in a white baking dish with a serving spoon.
      Cabbage Casserole
    • Keto pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
      Keto Pumpkin Pie
    • Moroccan chicken served in a white saucepan.
      Moroccan Chicken
    • Pulled chicken served in a white bowl.
      Pulled Chicken
    • Keto pumpkin bread, sliced, served on a white tray.
      Keto Pumpkin Bread
    • Pumpkin curry soup served in a white bowl.
      Pumpkin Curry Soup
    • Roasted butternut squash served in a white bowl with a napkin.
      Roasted Butternut Squash
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon

    Popular Recipes

    • Baked chicken breast served on a white plate with a fork.
      Baked Chicken Breast
    • Cauliflower pizza crust topped with cheese and pepperoni.
      Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    • Microwave bacon served on paper towels.
      Microwave Bacon
    • Oven-baked pork chops in a cast-iron skillet.
      Oven-Baked Pork Chops
    • Turkey burger in a bun.
      Turkey Burgers
    • Grilled chicken breast, sliced and served on a white plate.
      Grilled Chicken Breast
    • Pork roast, sliced, and served on a white platter with broccoli.
      Easy Boneless Pork Roast
    • Baked chicken wings served on a white plate with a dip.
      Baked Chicken Wings

    Footer

    Media mentions

    Media mentions of Healthy Recipes Blog: logos

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.


    By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


    Accessibility Statement


    Copyright © 2023