🦪 Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe | Seared Scallops with Lemon & Herb Butter

🦪 Seared Scallops with Garlic, Lemon & Herb Butter on a Plancha BBQ

Scallops are often thought of as a restaurant-only treat, but they're surprisingly simple to cook on a plancha BBQ. The intense, even heat creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the centre tender, sweet and succulent.

Finished with a rich garlic, lemon and herb butter, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal as a light starter or part of a seafood feast. The wide cooking surface of a plancha also allows you to prepare accompanying vegetables or crusty bread at the same time.

Whether you're hosting friends for drinks in the garden or enjoying a relaxed summer dinner outdoors, these scallops are guaranteed to impress.

📝 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Serves: 4 (starter)

Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Scallops

  • 12 large king scallops, cleaned and patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Garlic Herb Butter

  • 75g unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives

To Serve

  • Charred sourdough
  • Lemon wedges
  • Pea shoots
  • Micro herbs

🔥 Equipment Needed

  • Plancha BBQ
  • Fish slice or wide spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing spoon

👨🍳 Method

Step 1 – Prepare the butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan.

Add the garlic and cook gently for one minute before stirring in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley and chives.

Keep warm.

Step 2 – Prepare the plancha

Preheat the plancha BBQ to a high heat.

Lightly oil the cooking surface.

Step 3 – Season the scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry.

Season both sides lightly with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 4 – Sear

Place the scallops onto the hot plancha.

Cook for 2–2½ minutes on the first side without moving them.

Turn and cook for a further 1½–2 minutes.

Step 5 – Finish

Transfer to a serving platter.

Spoon over the warm garlic herb butter.

Serve immediately with grilled sourdough and lemon wedges.

💡 Cooking Tips

  • Dry scallops thoroughly before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the plancha.
  • Resist moving the scallops until it's time to turn them.
  • Fresh lemon makes all the difference.
  • Serve immediately while they're hot.

🌟 Delicious Variations

Chilli Garlic Scallops

Add fresh chilli and a pinch of chilli flakes.

Brown Butter Scallops

Cook the butter until lightly nutty before adding the herbs.

Mediterranean Scallops

Finish with chopped olives, capers and parsley.

Parmesan Herb Scallops

Serve over shaved Parmesan and rocket.

Scallops with Crispy Pancetta

Top with crispy pancetta for extra savoury flavour.

🍽️ What to Serve with Seared Scallops

  • Charred sourdough
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Samphire
  • Jersey Royal potatoes
  • Pea purée
  • Rocket salad
  • Lemon aioli
  • Grilled courgettes

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

Scallops are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If necessary, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day and gently reheated, although they are at their finest when served fresh.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a plancha instead of grill grates?

A plancha provides full contact with the hot surface, creating an even golden crust while preventing delicate scallops from sticking or falling through the grates.

How do I know when scallops are cooked?

The outside should be beautifully golden while the centre remains slightly translucent and tender.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make the garlic butter in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare it a day ahead and gently reheat before serving.

What oil is best?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, works best.

🛍️ Shop the Equipment at Sal's Place

A plancha BBQ is perfect for cooking delicate seafood, giving you excellent heat distribution and a beautifully even sear.

🔗 Explore Plancha BBQs at Sal's Place

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Whether you're serving these as a starter or as part of a summer seafood feast, they're a simple way to bring restaurant-quality cooking into your own garden.