Description
Grilled Lemon Garlic Scallops are a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The scallops are marinated in a zesty lemon garlic mixture, then grilled to perfection with a caramelized char. This dish is ideal for a light dinner or an elegant appetizer and pairs wonderfully with salads or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from 1 lemon)
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
For the scallops:
- 1 pound scallops
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to combine. - Marinate the scallops
Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Add the scallops to the bowl with the marinade and toss them gently to ensure an even coating. Cover the bowl and allow the scallops to marinate in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate. - Preheat the grill
While the scallops are marinating, preheat your grill or grill plate to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking. - Grill the scallops
Once the grill is ready, place the marinated scallops on the grates in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and have developed a slight char. Avoid overcooking to retain their tender texture. - Serve and enjoy
Remove the scallops from the grill and serve them immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and pair with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- Ensure the scallops are dry before adding them to the marinade to prevent excess moisture.
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice.
- If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking to prevent burning.
- Watch the scallops closely while grilling, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a drizzle of garlic butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 2.7 ounces
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
