Cooking scallops might seem fancy or intimidating, but they're extremely easy to make at home. Though you typically see scallops pan-seared—and they're obviously delicious that way—grilling scallops adds a different dimension of flavor and a slight smokiness. (Especially if you grill over charcoal or hardwood.) When seasoned with some salt, pepper, and chili flakes, they're pure gold. Oh, and did we mention they take 5 minutes?
Serve them on top of Garlic Spaghetti or go the summary route with fresh sides like Mango Salsa and Avocado and Tomato Salad.
A clean grill is key
Once the grill is hot, get those grates nice and clean. If you don’t have a grill brush, crumple up a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and use grilling tongs to scrape the hot grill grates. Move back and forth in the direction of the grates.
Grill 'em right
You want to grill on the highest heat possible, no matter if you’re using charcoal or a gas grill. Oiling the grates is key, too, since that will prevent the scallops from sticking.
How to tell if the scallop is cooked
You can tell if a scallop is done by gently pushing in the center. If you feel just a bit of resistance, then they’re good to go. Resist the temptation to pick them up and move them around, which can cause the scallops to tear. They’ll release when they’re ready.
These scallops are so delicious and easy to make, they're going to be come a staple at all of your cookouts. If you give them a try, let us know how they come out in the comments below!
Ingredients
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1 lb. medium scallops, patted dry
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Kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
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1 Tbsp. chopped chives
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1 tsp. crushed red chili flakes
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
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Step 1
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Heat grill to medium-high. Season scallops generously with salt and pepper.
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Step 2
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Grill, covered, 4 minutes without disturbing. Flip and grill uncovered, until opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes more.
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Step 3
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Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with chives and red pepper flakes, and serve with lemon.
