Portuguese-Style Grilled Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coast of Portugal with this vibrant and effortless grilled scallop recipe. Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its ability to transform simple, fresh seafood into a masterpiece using bold flavors like garlic, citrus, and spices. In this recipe, the natural sweetness of sea scallops pairs perfectly with a rich, zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce that is enhanced by a hint of smoky paprika. Whether you are hosting a summer dinner party or looking for a quick, luxurious weeknight meal, this dish delivers high-impact flavor with minimal effort.

Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe elevates the dish entirely. The solid steel cooktop allows you to achieve that coveted, golden-brown restaurant-quality sear without the fear of delicate scallops falling through the grates. The high heat locks in the moisture, keeping the inside tender and buttery while the outside develops a caramelized crust. This recipe celebrates the harmony of fresh ingredients and fire cooking, proving that you do not need a complex list of items to create a gourmet seafood experience right in your backyard.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 1 lb Large Sea Scallops (dry, side muscle removed)
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Lemon, juiced (plus zest for garnish)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (or sweet paprika for less smoke)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and immediately pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is the most critical step to ensure a good sear.
2. Remove the small, tough side muscle if it is still attached to the scallop.
3. Season the scallops generously on both sides with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the smoked paprika.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

1. Get your Arteflame grill ready by lighting a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down until the center cooktop reaches a high searing temperature (over 400°F).
2. Drizzle a little vegetable oil or olive oil onto the flat steel cooktop to season it and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

1. Place the scallops directly onto the hot steel cooktop. Do not crowd them; give them space to sear rather than steam.
2. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. You want a deep golden-brown crust to form.
3. Flip the scallops using tongs. They should release easily from the cooktop when the crust is formed. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the second side until they are firm but slightly springy to the touch. Move them to a cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. While the scallops are resting on the cooler zone, place a small cast-iron skillet or heat-safe sauce pot directly on the flat cooktop.
2. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and half of the chopped cilantro. Let the sauce simmer for 30 seconds to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Pour the hot lemon garlic butter sauce over the seared scallops right on the grill (or toss them in the skillet to coat).
2. Transfer to a serving platter immediately.
3. Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and lemon zest before serving hot.

Tips

Achieving the perfect scallop on the grill comes down to moisture control and timing. The number one mistake people make is skipping the drying process. If your scallops are wet, they will steam rather than sear, resulting in a rubbery texture and a pale appearance. Use multiple paper towels if necessary to get the surface bone-dry before seasoning. This ensures that when the protein hits the hot steel of the Arteflame, it caramelizes instantly, creating that sweet, savory crust that makes grilled scallops so irresistible.

Furthermore, keep a close eye on the clock. Scallops are lean and cook incredibly fast. Overcooking them will turn them tough and chewy, ruining their delicate nature. They are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch but still have a little bit of give in the center. It is better to slightly undercook them and let the residual heat finish the job while you prepare the sauce than to leave them on the direct heat for too long.

Variations

While this classic Portuguese lemon-butter profile is a crowd-pleaser, scallops are a versatile canvas that can handle a variety of flavor adjustments. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your spice tolerance or use herbs available in your garden. Here are a few ways to mix things up while keeping the preparation simple on the grill:

• Spicy Piri Piri: Add a teaspoon of Piri Piri sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for an authentic Portuguese kick.
• Herb Garden: Swap cilantro for fresh parsley or chives if you prefer a milder, more continental flavor profile.
• Surf and Turf: Add diced chorizo to the grill alongside the scallops; the rendered fat adds a smoky, meaty depth that pairs beautifully with the seafood.
• Citrus Twist: Use lime juice instead of lemon and add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for a brighter acidity.
• Garlic Lover's Dream: Roast whole cloves of garlic on the flat top while the grill heats up, mash them, and mix them into the butter for a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor.

Best pairings

To round out this Portuguese-inspired meal, focus on sides that balance the richness of the butter sauce and the sweetness of the scallops. You want accompaniments that can soak up that delicious garlic lemon sauce without overpowering the delicate seafood. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, utilize the flat top to grill your vegetable sides alongside the main protein for a cohesive flavor profile.

• Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde is the traditional choice; its slight effervescence and acidity cut through the butter perfectly.
• Grilled Crusty Bread: Toast thick slices of rustic sourdough on the grill to mop up the extra sauce.
• Charred Asparagus: Grill asparagus spears with a little olive oil and sea salt for a crunchy, green contrast.
• Saffron Rice: A bed of fluffy saffron or tomato rice makes this a hearty, filling main course.

Conclusion

Mastering Portuguese grilled scallops on the Arteflame is a rewarding experience that combines the primal joy of open-fire cooking with the elegance of fine dining. This recipe proves that you do not need to visit a seaside tavern in Lisbon to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Iberian Peninsula. By following the simple steps of drying the scallops, searing them hard, and bathing them in a luxurious lemon garlic butter, you create a dish that is visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Whether served as an impressive appetizer or the star of the main course, these scallops are bound to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire. The smoky notes from the grill, combined with the brightness of the citrus and the richness of the butter, create a perfect bite every time. So fire up the grill, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the simple pleasures of great food shared with good company.