Japanese Grilled Wakame-Marinated Scallops

Introduction

Indulge in the fresh and umami-rich flavors of these Japanese-style wakame-marinated scallops, grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The high heat of the center grill grate sears the scallops for a delicious crust while locking in their natural juices, and the wakame marinade enhances their oceanic taste. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a light main course, this recipe highlights the magic of grilling seafood over an open flame.

Ingredients

• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tbsp dried wakame seaweed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack dry firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper and wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and the cooktop reaches optimal grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Wakame Marinade

1. Rehydrate the dried wakame by soaking it in warm water for about 5 minutes.
2. Drain and finely chop the wakame.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and lemon juice.
4. Add the chopped wakame to the marinade and stir well.

Step 3: Marinate the Scallops

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel.
2. Place them in a dish and pour the marinade over them.
3. Let the scallops marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Grill the Scallops

1. Brush the Arteflame cooktop with melted butter.
2. Place the marinated scallops on the center grill grate for an initial sear.
3. Sear for about 30-45 seconds per side until a golden crust forms.
4. Move the scallops to the flat cooktop to finish cooking to your desired doneness, about 2-3 more minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the scallops from the grill and let them rest briefly.
2. Transfer to a plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, umami-rich taste.

Tips

• Make sure to pat the scallops dry before marinating to ensure proper searing.
• Do not overmarinate; 15-20 minutes is enough to infuse the flavors without altering the scallops' texture.
• Use high-quality sea scallops for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust the grilling time depending on the size of the scallops.
• Remove the scallops from the grill slightly before they reach full doneness, as they continue cooking after removal.

Variations

• Spicy Miso Scallops: Add 1 tsp miso paste and 1/2 tsp chili flakes to the marinade for extra umami and heat.
• Citrus Soy Scallops: Replace lemon juice with yuzu or orange juice for a bright citrus twist.
• Garlic Butter Scallops: Increase garlic amount and finish with a drizzle of garlic-infused melted butter.
• Ginger Teriyaki Scallops: Swap sake for teriyaki sauce and add 1 tsp honey for a slightly sweet touch.
• Wasabi Soy Scallops: Mix in a small amount of wasabi to the marinade for a bold kick.

Best Pairings

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple, fluffy side to complement the umami flavors.
• Grilled Asparagus: Cooks perfectly on the Arteflame griddle with a light charred taste.
• Chilled Sake: A crisp sake enhances the Japanese flavors of the scallops.
• Seaweed Salad: Adds a crunchy, fresh component to the dish.
• Miso Soup: Complements the umami notes for a full Japanese-inspired meal.

Conclusion

Grilling scallops on the Arteflame grill brings out their natural sweetness while achieving a perfect sear. The wakame marinade enhances the delicate seafood flavor, making this dish a standout. Whether served as an appetizer or a light main, these Japanese-inspired scallops impress with their elegance and taste. Now, it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious creation!