Get ready to transform your summer grilling game with the most tantalizing seafood dish that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine perfectly seared, succulent scallops and plump, juicy shrimp, kissed by flames and bursting with garlic and lemon flavors. This isn't just another seafood recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your cooking skills from amateur to grill master in just 20 minutes. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking to impress your dinner guests, these grilled scallops and shrimp are about to become your new go-to recipe that screams restaurant-quality right from your own grill!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the scallops and shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a nice sear when grilling.
- In a large bowl, combine the scallops and shrimp. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the seafood is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan, place it on the stove over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot.
- While the grill is heating, prepare skewers if you are using them. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. This step is optional if you are grilling directly on the grill or using a grill pan.
- Once the grill is ready, thread the shrimp and scallops onto the skewers, alternating between the two for an appealing presentation. If grilling directly, simply place the seafood directly on the grill.
- Place the skewers or seafood directly on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until you see grill marks, then carefully flip them over using tongs.
- Continue grilling on the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and firm, and the shrimp are pink and curled. Be careful not to overcook, as seafood can become tough if left on the grill too long.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers or seafood from the grill and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the grilled scallops and shrimp immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious grilled seafood!
Tips
- Pat your seafood completely dry before grilling to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't marinate seafood too long – 5-10 minutes is ideal to prevent the acid from "cooking" the delicate proteins.
- Use high heat, but watch carefully – scallops and shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Invest in a good pair of long-handled tongs for easy and safe seafood flipping.
- If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water to prevent burning.
- Let the seafood rest for a minute after grilling to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
