Grilled Scallops with Rocket
Prep
15 mins
Cook
8 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in under half an hour and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. Scallops are incredibly simple to cook if you give them just a few minutes on a hot grill, and they pair beautifully with peppery rocket, which is packed with calcium and antioxidants. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a hint of chili heat round out the dish perfectly. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this elegant yet effortless meal never disappoints.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 16large sea scallops(patted dry)
- 946 mlfresh rocket(loosely packed)
- 5 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 3garlic cloves(minced)
- 1lemon(zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred chili flakes
- 1shallot(thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels and season both sides with sea salt and black pepper about 10 minutes before cooking.
Tip: Dry scallops are essential for achieving a golden crust when grilled.
- 2
Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red chili flakes in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- 3
Preheat your grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Tip: A hot grill creates better caramelization on the scallops.
- 4
Place scallops on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them, until they develop a golden brown crust.
Tip: Overcooking scallops makes them tough; aim for just opaque centers.
- 5
Transfer the grilled scallops to a warm plate and let rest for 1 minute.
- 6
Toss the fresh rocket with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and arrange on serving plates, then top with sliced shallot.
- 7
Place the warm scallops on top of the dressed rocket and drizzle generously with the garlic-lemon dressing.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while the scallops are still warm.
Tip: The warmth of the scallops will gently wilt the rocket slightly, creating a wonderful contrast.
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