4-Ingredient Broiled Scallops Recipe

Broiled Scallops are one of those recipes that prove a delicious seafood dinner doesn’t need a long ingredient list. With just four simple ingredients, you can turn tender bay scallops into a buttery, lemony dish with golden edges and plenty of flavor.

If you love scallops but usually save them for restaurant meals, this recipe is worth trying at home. The preparation is incredibly simple, but there’s one important trick to getting the scallops beautifully broiled instead of watery or overcooked. Keep reading to see how to prepare them for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love These Broiled Scallops

• Only 4 ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples are all you need.
• Quick to prepare: Minimal prep makes this a great option for busy nights.
• Buttery and flavorful: Lemon and garlic butter complement the natural sweetness of the scallops.
• No complicated technique: The broiler does most of the work.
• Perfect for seafood lovers: Serve them as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds bay scallops
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt

How to Make Easy Broiled Scallops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Preheat the oven broiler. Arrange the oven rack so the scallops will sit a few inches below the broiler.

Pat the bay scallops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them broil properly rather than releasing too much liquid while cooking.

Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic salt. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Arrange the Scallops

Place the scallops in a single layer in a broiler-safe baking dish or shallow baking pan. Avoid overcrowding them so they can cook evenly.

Drizzle the butter mixture over the scallops, making sure they are lightly coated.

Step 4: Broil the Scallops

Photo by Carey

Place the scallops under the preheated broiler and broil until they are opaque and lightly golden on top.

Because bay scallops are small, they cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the scallops from the oven and spoon some of the warm buttery lemon juices over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and tender.

Tips for Perfect Broiled Scallops

Pat the Scallops Dry

This is one of the most important steps. Excess moisture can cause the scallops to steam rather than broil, making it harder to achieve lightly golden edges.

Don’t Overcook Them

Scallops can become rubbery when overcooked. Bay scallops are especially quick to cook because of their smaller size, so watch them closely under the broiler.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice gives the butter sauce a bright flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Keep Them in a Single Layer

Arrange the scallops without piling them on top of each other. This helps the heat reach them more evenly.

What to Serve With Broiled Scallops

These buttery scallops pair well with simple sides such as:

• Steamed rice
• Garlic butter pasta
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Green salad
• Steamed asparagus
• Lemon wedges

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bay scallops for this recipe?

Yes. Bay scallops are ideal for this recipe because they are small, tender, and cook quickly under the broiler.

How do I know when scallops are done?

Scallops should become opaque and tender with lightly golden edges. Avoid cooking them for too long, as overcooking can make them chewy.

Should I rinse scallops before cooking?

If you rinse them, pat them very dry with paper towels afterward. Removing excess moisture is important for broiling.

Can I use sea scallops instead?

Yes, but sea scallops are much larger than bay scallops and will require different cooking time. Keep a close eye on them and cook until opaque and just cooked through.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Broiled scallops are best served immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them promptly and gently reheat them to avoid drying them out.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warmed through.
• Avoid over-reheating: Scallops can become tough and rubbery when heated for too long.
• Freezing: For the best texture, freezing cooked scallops is not recommended.