Broiled Scallops – Lemon & Herb Elegance

Broiled Scallops offer a quick, elegant seafood dish that combines tender, juicy scallops with a perfectly caramelized, slightly crispy top. This broiled scallops recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the shellfish, enriched with a simple garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something impressive yet effortless.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this broiled scallops recipe because it’s incredibly fast to prepare, taking just minutes to cook under high heat while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. The broiling method intensifies the scallops’ natural sweetness and creates a delicate crust without overcooking the interior. Plus, this recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it accessible for even novice cooks. It fits beautifully into low-carb, keto, and paleo diets, while also being gluten-free and dairy-friendly with simple substitutions.

Tips and Tricks

• Use dry sea scallops (not “wet” scallops packed in water) for the best caramelization and texture.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to avoid steaming.
• Preheat your broiler and place the oven rack about 5-6 inches from the heat source for optimal browning.
• Use a broiler-safe pan or a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
• Don’t overcrowd the scallops—leave space between each one to ensure even cooking.
• Keep a close eye on the scallops while broiling; they cook quickly and can burn in seconds.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Scallops should be kept fresh and only seasoned right before broiling. If you want to prep ahead further, shell and clean the scallops a day before, storing them in the coldest part of your refrigerator on a bed of ice for optimal freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Swap garlic butter for a spicy chili-lime butter to add heat and zest.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese on top before broiling for a cheesy crust.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
• For a smoky twist, sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on the scallops.
• Instead of broiling, try searing the scallops in a hot cast-iron skillet for a golden crust with a buttery finish.

How to Serve

Serve broiled scallops on a warm plate, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and thin lemon wedges. They pair beautifully with a light salad, sautéed seasonal vegetables, or a bed of creamy risotto or quinoa. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the scallops and sides for an extra flavor boost. Presentation tip: arrange scallops in a circular pattern or in a neat row for an elegant look.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the scallops’ sweetness. A sparkling wine like Prosecco is also a festive choice. For cocktails, consider a classic gin and tonic or a citrusy mojito. Light, herbal teas like jasmine or green tea work well if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. Side dishes like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh cucumber salad round out the meal perfectly.

How to Store

Store leftover broiled scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make scallops tough. Scallops are best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for freezing after cooking due to texture changes.

Equipment Needed

• Broiler-safe baking sheet or rimmed pan
• Aluminum foil (for lining)
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for garlic butter)
• Tongs or spatula for handling scallops
• Paper towels (for drying scallops)
• Optional: kitchen thermometer to check doneness

If you don’t have a broiler, a hot cast-iron skillet can be used as an alternative cooking method.

Dietary Adaptations

• To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter spread.
• For a vegan adaptation, replace scallops with king oyster mushroom “scallops” sliced into rounds and broil with the same garlic butter alternative.
• Nut-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly as is—just ensure your garlic butter ingredients are free from additives or allergens.
• For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit salt and use fresh herbs and lemon juice to enhance flavor instead.

Seasonal Adaptations

• In summer, add fresh chopped tomatoes or basil on top after broiling for a bright, fresh twist.
• During winter, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a warm citrus salad to complement the scallops.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon when in season; otherwise, dried herbs can be used sparingly.
• Swap lemon juice for a splash of fresh grapefruit or orange juice in colder months for a seasonal citrus flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How long should scallops be broiled?
A: Usually 6-8 minutes total under a hot broiler is sufficient, depending on size. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: You can sear scallops in a hot skillet on the stovetop for similar caramelization and then finish with a quick bake if desired.

Q: How do I know when scallops are done?
A: They should be opaque and firm to the touch but still tender inside. Avoid cooking until rubbery.

Q: Can I add other seasonings?
A: Absolutely, spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs can be added to customize the flavor.

How To Make broiled scallops recipe

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Yield: 4

Broiled Scallops

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Broiled Scallops offer a quick, elegant seafood dish that combines tender, juicy scallops with a perfectly caramelized, slightly crispy top.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack about 5-6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove all moisture. This step is crucial for proper browning.
3. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter gently and stir in the minced garlic. Warm just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Arrange the scallops evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Brush each scallop generously with the garlic butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the scallops begin to brown on top.
7. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip each scallop and brush with any remaining garlic butter. Broil an additional 3-4 minutes until scallops are opaque and slightly caramelized.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 210Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 69mgSodium 833mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 24g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Broiled scallops are a fantastic way to enjoy seafood that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 20 minutes. This recipe’s simplicity lets the natural flavors shine while the garlic butter adds a luscious richness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, the ease and elegance of broiled scallops will make this recipe a go-to in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and seasonings to make it your own!