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Grilled Scallops with Homemade Garlic Butter Recipe


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4.3 from 41 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This grilled scallops recipe features fresh scallops cooked in their shells topped with a rich and aromatic garlic butter infused with herbs and optional chili flakes. The scallops are quickly grilled to a golden brown perfection and served with freshly grilled lemon slices, making it a perfect elegant appetizer or main course with vibrant, smoky, and buttery flavors.


Ingredients

Scallops

  • 12 scallops in shell
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • Kosher sea salt
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Garlic Butter

  • 2 bulbs garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Kosher sea salt
  • Black pepper


Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic for Roasting: Peel the garlic cloves by separating them from the bulbs and placing them into a heatproof bowl. Submerge the cloves in boiling hot water for 5 minutes to loosen their skins, then drain and peel off the skin easily.
  2. Roast Garlic: Place peeled garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and fully submerge them in 1 tbsp olive oil, ensuring the garlic is completely covered to prevent burning. Bake in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) for 1 to 2 hours or until the garlic turns golden brown.
  3. Prepare Garlic Butter: Separate the roasted garlic cloves from the oil, reserving the oil for future use. In a food processor, blend the roasted garlic, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, chopped parsley, chopped chives, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper until smooth. Alternatively, mash together using a fork in a bowl.
  4. Preheat Grill: Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat, aiming for about 200°C (390°F). Keep the grill lid closed while heating to maintain consistent temperature.
  5. Prepare Scallops: Gently remove scallops from their shells, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, and season each with a pinch of kosher sea salt. Return the scallops to their shells and drizzle 1/2 tbsp olive oil evenly over them.
  6. Grill Scallops and Lemon: Place scallops in their shells along with lemon slices directly onto the hot grill. Close the lid and grill for 2 minutes until the scallops start to brown.
  7. Flip and Add Garlic Butter: Using a spatula, carefully flip the scallops to brown the other side. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared garlic butter onto each scallop. Close the lid and grill for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and infuse flavor.
  8. Serve: Remove scallops and lemon slices from the grill. Squeeze the warm grilled lemon over the scallops for a fresh citrus finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the scallops at their best.

Notes

  • The reserved garlic-infused olive oil can be stored at room temperature in a sealed glass container for up to 4 weeks and used for dressings or cooking.
  • Ensure the garlic is fully submerged in olive oil during roasting to prevent burning and achieve a smooth roasted flavor.
  • If you don’t have a BBQ grill, a stovetop grill pan heated to high can be used as an alternative.
  • Chili flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat that complements the garlic butter.
  • Patting the scallops dry is crucial to achieve a good sear and prevent steaming on the grill.
  • Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain the high temperature required for quick searing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Seafood