Grilled Connecticut Scallops with Garlic-Lemon Butter

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh local scallops
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Skewers
• Wood for the grill

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches optimal temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Scallops

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Season them with salt and black pepper.
3. Thread the scallops onto skewers, leaving space between each for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt the butter on the flat cooktop of the grill.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, mixing well.
4. Set aside near the cooler edge of the grill to keep warm.

Step 4: Grill the Scallops

1. Place the scallops on the center grill grate for a quick sear, about 1 minute per side.
2. Move them to the flat griddle to cook gently for another 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Brush the scallops with the garlic-lemon butter while they cook.
4. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 115°F as they will continue cooking off the heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Drizzle more garlic-lemon butter over the scallops before serving.
2. Garnish with additional parsley.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips

• Use fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best flavor.
• Always pat scallops dry before grilling to achieve a perfect sear.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Variations

1. Spicy Sriracha Scallops: Add 1 tsp of sriracha to the garlic-lemon butter for a spicy kick.
2. Honey Garlic Scallops: Replace lemon juice with 1 tbsp of honey for a sweet and savory twist.
3. Asian-Inspired Scallops: Add 1 tsp of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the butter sauce.
4. Herb Butter Scallops: Use a mix of basil, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic touch.
5. Cajun-Style Scallops: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning before grilling for a bold, Southern flair.

Conclusion

Grilling scallops on the Arteflame grill produces unbelievably tasty and juicy results. The high-heat searing technique locks in flavors while the flat cooktop ensures even cooking. Paired with a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Try different variations to customize the flavor to your liking!

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
• Butter-grilled corn on the cob
• Fresh garden salad with balsamic dressing
• Chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay