Charcoal Grilled Scallops
Charcoal Grilled Scallops
Grilling scallops over charcoal adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor that enhances their natural sweetness. This recipe keeps it simple with a zesty marinade and quick grilling for a delicious, restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 1 pound large sea scallops (about 12-16)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Scallops
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Remove the small side muscle from each scallop, if still attached.
2. Make the Marinade
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Scallops
- Place the scallops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the scallops, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Let the scallops marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
4. Prepare the Grill
- Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Once the coals are hot and covered with white ash, arrange them for direct grilling.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Scallops
- Thread the scallops onto skewers if desired (this makes flipping easier). Alternatively, place them directly on the grill.
- Grill the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop grill marks and are opaque in the center. Do not overcook, as they can become rubbery.
6. Serve
- Remove the scallops from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Fresh Scallops: Use the freshest scallops you can find for the best flavor. Dry-packed scallops are ideal, as they sear and grill better than wet-packed ones.
- Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Variations: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of honey to the marinade for extra depth of flavor.
- Sides: Pair with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad.
Charcoal-grilled scallops are an effortless yet impressive dish, perfect for summer barbecues or an outdoor dinner party. Enjoy the smoky goodness! 🔥🦪🍋
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