Seared Irish Scallops with Lemon Butter

Introduction

Savor the delicate and fresh flavors of Irish scallops, seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill and finished with a luscious lemon butter drizzle. This easy yet gourmet dish highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops while adding a zesty touch that makes them irresistible. Perfect for a special meal or an impressive starter that will wow any guest.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Irish scallops
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

• Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
• Stack firewood over the soaked napkins, then light the paper.
• Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the surrounding flat griddle is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops

• Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Season them with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

• Place the scallops directly on the center grill grate to sear at high heat.
• Sear each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Move the scallops to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking for another 1-2 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 115°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

• Melt the butter on the outer part of the griddle to prevent burning.
• Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing well.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the scallops.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
• Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

Tips

• Make sure the scallops are dry before grilling to ensure a perfect sear.
• Do not overcook scallops as they can become rubbery.
• Adjust cooking zones on the Arteflame grill to find the perfect spot for even cooking.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
• Remove the scallops from the grill when they reach 115°F as they will continue to cook off the heat.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Scallops: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the lemon butter for a fragrant touch.
• Spicy Cajun Scallops: Season the scallops with a Cajun spice blend for a bold kick.
• Honey Glazed Scallops: Drizzle a touch of honey into the butter sauce for a slightly sweet contrast.
• Ginger Lime Scallops: Replace lemon with lime and add freshly grated ginger for an Asian twist.
• Saffron Butter Scallops: Infuse the melted butter with a few strands of saffron for a rich, luxurious flavor.

Best Pairings

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chardonnay
• Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or charred Brussels sprouts
• A light, fresh arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Crusty artisan bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce

Conclusion

Cooking these Irish scallops on the Arteflame grill ensures they achieve a perfect golden sear while remaining tender and juicy inside. The rich and citrusy lemon butter enhances the natural seafood flavors beautifully. Give this recipe a try for a restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly at home.