How To Cook Scallops On The Grill

Grilling scallops gives them a smoky char on the outside while keeping the inside buttery and tender. If you want to know how to cook scallops on the grill without turning them into rubber, the answer comes down to a few simple rules.

This guide walks you through choosing the right scallops, prepping them, and grilling them in minutes. You do not need fancy tools. A hot grill, a pair of tongs, and some patience is all it takes.

Why Grilling Works So Well For Scallops

Scallops are mostly water and protein. High heat sears the surface fast and leaves the center soft and sweet.

A grill adds smoke and char that a pan on the stove just cant match. The trick is keeping the scallops from sticking or drying out. Do that and you get restaurant quality results at home.

Choosing The Right Scallops

Not all scallops are the same. What you buy decides how they cook.

Dry scallops: These are never treated with chemicals. They sear and brown much better. Look for them first.
Wet scallops: These sit in a phosphate solution that adds water weight. They steam instead of sear, so they are harder to grill well.
Size: Look for large sea scallops, about 10 to 20 per pound. Small bay scallops fall through the grates and cook too fast.
Smell and look: Fresh scallops smell mild and sweet. They should look creamy white, maybe with a light pink or orange tint.

Frozen scallops work fine too. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and pat them very dry before cooking.

What You Will Need

1 to 1.5 pounds of large dry sea scallops
Paper towels
Olive oil or a neutral oil with a high smoke point
Kosher salt and black pepper
Tongs or a thin metal spatula
Optional: a grill basket or skewers
Optional: lemon, butter, fresh herbs, garlic

Step-By-Step: How To Grill Scallops Perfectly

Follow these steps in order. Timing matters more here then with most meats.

Step 1: Prep The Scallops

Pull off the small side muscle if it is still attached. It is a tough little tab that never softens.

Pat each scallop completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes while you heat the grill.

Step 2: Season Them Simply

Brush the scallops lightly with oil on both sides. Then season with salt and pepper right before they hit the grates.

Do not marinate them for long. Acid in a marinade can start to break down the flesh and make it mushy.

Step 3: Heat The Grill

Set up your grill for high direct heat, around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the grates well with a brush.

Oil the grates using a folded paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs. This step prevents sticking more than anything else you can do. For a gas grill, preheat with the lid down for 10 to 15 minutes. For charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in gray ash.

Step 4: Grill The First Side

Place the scallops on the grates with space between each one. Do not move them for 2 to 3 minutes.

They are ready to flip when they release from the grate on their own and have good grill marks. If they stick, give them another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Flip And Finish

Flip each scallop with tongs or a thin spatula. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

They are done when the center is opaque and just firm to the touch. The whole cook takes about 3 to 5 minutes total. Pull them off the heat a little early, since they keep cooking for a moment after.

Step 6: Add Flavor And Serve

Move the scallops to a warm plate. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top or add a spoon of melted butter with garlic and parsley.

Serve right away. Grilled scallops taste best hot and lose their tenderness as they cool.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using wet scallops, which steam instead of sear
Skipping the drying step, which causes sticking
Overcrowding the grill, which lowers the heat
Cooking too long, which makes them tough and chewy
Flipping too soon, before they release from the grate
Using a dirty or unoiled grate

Tips For Grilling Scallops In A Basket Or On Skewers

If your grates are wide or your scallops are on the smaller side, a grill basket is a smart move. It keeps them from falling through and makes flipping easy.

Skewers work well too. Thread 3 to 4 scallops on each skewer and leave a small gap between them so they cook evenly. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes first, or just use metal ones.

What To Serve With Grilled Scallops

Keep the sides light so the scallops stay the star.

Grilled asparagus or zucchini
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Rice pilaf or crusty bread
Corn on the cob
Grilled lemon halves for squeezing

Final Thoughts

Grilling scallops is fast, simple, and worth the small effort it takes to do it right. Buy dry scallops, dry them well, oil the grates, and cook them hot and quick.

Once you nail the basics, you can play with flavors like smoked paprika, garlic butter, or a honey lime glaze. The method stays the same. Only the seasoning changes.

How To Cook Scallops On The Grill