Smoky Pepper Grilled Scallops
Embark on a culinary adventure this summer with Smoky Pepper Grilled Scallops, a delightful seafood dish that captures the essence of the ocean's flavors. Perfectly seared on the grill, these large scallops are infused with the aromatic notes of black peppercorns, adding depth to their naturally sweet taste. Toss them onto a vibrant bed of fresh salad greens and seasonal vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal. With a simple homemade vinaigrette featuring a harmonious blend of white wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also elegant enough for entertaining guests. Your next summer gathering deserves this impressive yet foolproof recipe, inspired by Andrea Viestad's Food for Summer, and slightly adjusted for enhanced flavor and cooking time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
honey
2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
large scallops
24 (thaw and bring to room temperature)
fine sea salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
black peppercorns
1/2 cup (none)
lemon
1 (cut into 6 wedges (optional))
salad greens
to serve (washed and dried)
Instructions
1
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to a hot-to-medium-hot level, aiming for just under the hot setting.
2
While the grill heats, allow the scallops to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
3
Prepare the vinaigrette by combining the white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth. If the honey is difficult to blend, heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to help it combine effectively.
4
Set aside half of the vinaigrette in a small serving bowl. In the remaining vinaigrette, toss the scallops to coat them evenly, then season with fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme.
5
The grilling process is quick, so be ready! Grill the scallops for about 1-2 minutes on one side. If using a charcoal grill, toss the black peppercorns directly onto the hottest part of the fire to release their smoky scent. For a gas grill, consider placing the peppercorns in a small foil packet with an open top and positioning it on the hottest section.
6
After the initial sear, cook the scallops for an additional 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and grill for another 4-5 minutes, or until they are opaque and firm to the touch.
7
Once cooked, remove the scallops from the grill and serve immediately, drizzling the remaining vinaigrette over the dish or using it as a dressing for the salad greens.
8
Optionally, garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
9
Feel free to experiment with shrimp or a combination of shrimp and scallops, adjusting grilling times based on the size of the seafood.
10
Tip: For more consistent cooking, let all ingredients warm to room temperature before grilling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Smoky Pepper Grilled Scallops.
What is the primary seafood used in this dish?
The primary seafood used is 24 large scallops.
What are the ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
How should the scallops be prepared before they are grilled?
The scallops should be thawed and allowed to come to room temperature to ensure even cooking.
What grill temperature is recommended?
You should preheat your gas or charcoal grill to a hot-to-medium-hot level.
What is a tip for blending the honey into the vinaigrette?
If the honey is difficult to blend, heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to help it combine effectively.
How much of the vinaigrette is used for coating the scallops?
Half of the vinaigrette is used to toss and coat the scallops before seasoning.
What seasonings are added to the scallops before grilling?
The scallops are seasoned with fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme.
What is the purpose of the half cup of black peppercorns?
The black peppercorns are used on the grill to release a smoky scent that infuses the scallops.
Where do you place the peppercorns on a charcoal grill?
On a charcoal grill, toss the peppercorns directly onto the hottest part of the fire.
How do you use peppercorns on a gas grill?
For a gas grill, place the peppercorns in a small foil packet with an open top on the hottest section.
How long is the initial sear for the scallops?
Grill the scallops for about 1 to 2 minutes on the first side.
How much total time should the scallops cook on the first side?
After the initial sear, cook them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes before flipping.
How long do you grill the scallops after flipping them?
Grill them for another 4 to 5 minutes on the second side.
How can you tell when the scallops are fully cooked?
They are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch.
What should be done with the remaining vinaigrette?
The remaining vinaigrette should be drizzled over the dish or used as a dressing for the salad greens.
What is suggested for serving the scallops?
Serve the scallops on a vibrant bed of fresh salad greens and seasonal vegetables.
Is there a recommended garnish?
Optionally, garnish the dish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Can this recipe be made with other types of seafood?
Yes, you can experiment with shrimp or a combination of shrimp and scallops.
Why is it important to let ingredients reach room temperature?
Letting ingredients warm to room temperature ensures more consistent and even cooking.
What source inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Andrea Viestad's book, Food for Summer.
What type of cuisine is this recipe categorized under?
This recipe is categorized as Scandinavian cuisine.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an impressive yet foolproof recipe perfect for summer gatherings.
What type of mustard is required?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is required.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe calls for fine sea salt to taste.
What type of vinegar is needed?
The recipe uses three tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
Is this dish considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as a light yet satisfying healthy meal.
How much dried thyme is used?
One teaspoon of dried thyme is used for seasoning.
What is the flavor profile of the scallops?
They have a naturally sweet taste infused with aromatic notes of black peppercorns.