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    Home » Entrees

    Jul 14, 2015 · Modified: May 11, 2021 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 17 Comments

    Grilled Scallops and Grits

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Grilled Scallops and Grits are summer comfort food at its finest. Scallops caramelize perfectly on the grill and can be done in just minutes. Serve atop cheesy grits with some crispy panko for a deliciously decadent meal.

    Head-on view of a plate with cheesy grits and grilled scallops with recipe title at top

    Well, this is kind of embarrassing. But I have to admit something to all of you… Until the other day, I had never used a grill before.

    Yup, I have just grilled for my first time ever. To be honest, it actually took me a while to determine if that was actually the case. I mean, I say “we’re grilling!” all the time and Chris and I have dinner on the grill at least once a week.

    But you know what? It’s always Chris who’s doing the grilling. Sure, I do lots of the planning, prep, and plating, but when it comes to turning the grill on and actually cooking the meal, it’s all Chris. Yikes.

    I wasn’t actually aware of that until Weber emailed me and pointed it out. Seriously. They said they wanted me to get into grilling and that I shouldn’t just leave it to my husband.

    And when Weber tells you that you should learn to grill, you listen. Right?? Especially when they send you a Weber Q 1200, their portable gas grill… In purple!

    My family has always been a Weber family and when Chris and I bought our house, a Weber grill was our very first purchase. Like, before we even closed on the house, we went to Home Depot and purchased a Genesis.

    But now it was time for me to break in my new Q and I decided to start with a meal of scallops and grits. Scallops may seem like a strange first meal to grill, but this recipe just sounded so appealing to me and way more interesting than the typical burger (though I’m sure there will be plenty of burgers in my grilling future, too!). I got this recipe from the Weber website, but made a few alterations.

    It was also my very first time making grits.. They’re not really a big thing in New England, but now I think I’m in love!

    How to Toast Panko

    The recipe starts with toasted panko… Just how many of my favorite meals start!

    In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, melt 5 Tbsp butter. Pour about 3 Tbsp of the butter into a small bowl and set aside, keeping warm.

    Add panko and minced garlic to the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet and cook until panko is golden, about 3-4 minutes, being sure to stir often.

    Stir in the thyme and about ⅛ tsp salt. Remove skillet from the heat.

    One photo showing panko in butter in skillet and another showing panko toasted in skillet

    How to Grill Scallops

    Now you’ll want to get your grill started for a little pre-heating action. You want it to be about 450-550° F.

    While your grill is heating, it’s a good idea to get started on the grits (see below), though I think you could probably make these a bit ahead of time, too.

    Pat your scallops dry before starting (this will prevent them from sticking to the grill!).

    Now, in a medium-sized bowl combine the scallops, Cajun seasoning (I made my own with this recipe), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

    Toss scallops in the seasonings, add 2 Tbsp melted butter, and toss to coat.

    Scallops in bowl with cajun seasoning and scallops in bowl with seasoning and butter

    Now it’s time to get our grill on!

    Place scallops on the grill, flattest side down. Can you tell I’m in serious deep concentration?

    Susie putting scallops on grill

    Grill over direct high heat, with the lid closed. After two minutes, turn scallops with tongs. If scallops are resistant to turning, continue to grill another few seconds (you'll know they're ready to turn when they turn easily).

    Let scallops cook for another 2-3 minutes on other side, until they're lightly browned and just opaque in the center. Look at those beauties!

    Scallops grilling on Weber Q 1200

    During the last minute of grilling time, add the scallions to the grill and cook over direct heat, turning once. Transfer the scallops to a clean bowl and the scallions to a cutting board.

    Add hot pepper sauce (I used Tabasco) and the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter to the bowl with the scallops and toss to coat. And roughly chop the scallions.

    Woo hoo! My first grilling experience. And I think those scallops look pretty fab if I do say so myself. And how easy was that??

    How to Make Cheesy Grits

    For the grits, combine milk, garlic, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and then slowly whisk in grits.

    Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, until the mixture thickens and the grits are very tender, about 6-9 minutes. Be sure to whisk often.

    Add more water water ¼ cup at a time if the mixture thickens too much.

    Stir in cheddar cheese and season with pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

    Collage showing grits cooking in milk and cooked grits with cheese mixed in

    Now you're ready to assemble your dinner. Divide the grits among four plates. If the've solidified, you can loosen them a bit with a few tablespoons of water or milk and continue to warm through.

    Top the grits with the scallops, scallions, and toasted panko. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with more hot pepper sauce, if you want.

    Enjoy!

    Bowl with cheesy grits topped with scallops and panko

    Once upon a time, I hated scallops. They were probably my number one most-hated food in life. My food enemy, if you will. I don’t know what changed, but I slowly started to enjoy them.

    Now, I love them so much, I’m very likely to order them out if they're on the menu.

    I don’t make them at home a whole lot, but now that I know I can grill them in about 4 minutes flat, that may all be changing.

    Landscape view of a white bowl of cheesy grits topped with grilled scallops and panko

    This meal was amazingly decadent. I know that’s a word you’d usually use to describe cake or chocolate, but I honestly think it’s the most appropriate word for grilled scallops. Eating these was like eating candy.

    And the buttery toasted panko added the perfect crunch!

    And the grits? So creamy, cheesy, and awesome. Now I get what the fuss is about. I most definitely want to eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like every day.

    More Grilled Recipes

    If you're hoping to get out and use your grill more this summer, here are some other grilled recipes you might love!

    • Grilled Cod Tacos with Grilled Cherry Salsa
    • Grilled Mojito Swordfish
    • Grilled Pineapple Coconut Margaritas
    • Grilled Watermelon Salad
    • Grilled Guacamole with Cherries and Habanero
    • Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Pepper Jack Cheese
    • Grilled Romaine with Creamy Lemon Dressing (from Fit Living Eats)
    • Grilled Rosemary Chicken (from Call Me PMC)
    Head-on view of a white bowl of cheesy grits topped with grilled scallops and panko

    I’m pretty freaking excited that I actually grilled something myself. And not for the last time!

    I guess we're going to have a little battle of the grillers in our household!

    Just kidding, it's more of a grilling partnership.

    Chris and Sues in front of a purple Weber Q1200 grill

    Oh and also, before I had even used the grill, I was listening to the America’s Test Kitchen podcast and they were raving about the Weber Q. It landed the top spot for portable grills.

    Hooray! Grilled scallops and grits for all. No matter where you live or where you’re traveling to. That is something that makes me pretty happy.

    Head-on closeup view of cheesy grits topped with grilled scallops and panko

    Are you a griller? What’s your favorite food to grill?

    📖 Recipe

    Closeup view of cheesy grits with grilled scallops with panko and parsley

    Grilled Scallops and Grits

    This is summer comfort food at its finest. Scallops caramelize perfectly on the grill and can be done in just minutes. Serve atop cheesy grits with some crispy panko for a complete meal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Grilled Fish, Grilling Recipes, Grits Recipes, Scallops Recipes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Makes: 4 servings
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
    • ⅓ cups panko
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
    • Kosher salt
    • 16 sea scallops, each about 2 oz., muscle removed and patted dry
    • 1 ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
    • 4 scallions, ends trimmed
    • 1 Tbsp hot pepper sauce, plus more for topping
    • 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
    • Cooked Grits (recipe below)

    Grits

    • 3 ½ cups whole milk, plus more if needed
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • ¾ tsp salt
    • ¾ cup quick-cooking grits
    • 4 oz. grated sharp white cheddar cheese
    • Freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Pour about 3 Tbsp of the butter into a small bowl and set aside, keeping warm.
    • Add panko and minced garlic to the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet and cook until panko is golden, about 3-4 minutes, being sure to stir often.
    • Stir in the thyme and about ⅛ teaspoon salt. Remove from the heat.
    • Heat grill for direct cooking over high heat, about 450° to 550°F.
    • In a medium-sized bowl combine the scallops, Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Toss scallops in the seasonings and add 2 Tbsp melted butter and toss to coat.
    • Place scallops on the grill, flattest side down. Grill over direct high heat, with the lid closed. After two minutes, turn scallops with tongs. If scallops are resistant to turning, continue to grill another few seconds (they should turn easily when ready). Once turned, let cook for another 2 minutes on other side, until they're lightly browned and just opaque in the center.
    • During the last minute of grilling time, add the scallions to the grill and grill over direct heat, turning once.
    • Transfer the scallops to a clean bowl and add hot pepper sauce and the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter and toss to coat.
    • Move scallions to cutting board and roughly chop.
    • Divide the grits among four plates. If they've solidified, you can loosen them with a few tablespoons of water or milk and continue to warm through.
    • Top grits with scallops, scallions and toasted panko.
    • Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with more hot pepper sauce, if desired.

    Grits

    • In a saucepan combine milk, garlic, and ¾ tsp salt.
    • Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and then slowly whisk in grits.
    • Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, until the mixture thickens and the grits are very tender, about 6-9 minutes. Be sure to whisk often. Add more water water ¼ cup at a time if the mixture thickens too much.
    • Stir in cheddar cheese and season with pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Grilled Scallops and GritsGrilled Scallops and GritsGrilled Scallops and Grits
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

      July 14, 2015 at 8:32 am

      No shame in that! I am glad to see that you tested out the Weber portable grill because these scallops look amazing! I know what I want for dinner.

    2. Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says

      July 14, 2015 at 10:23 am

      You have a purple grill OMG I die, I need one, even if I live in an apartment, its so so so cute! I am a sucker for anything purple! And those scallops look so good, I would enjoy a few this summer, grilled to perfection!

    3. Meghan says

      July 14, 2015 at 10:35 am

      I love grilled everything, but yeah, my husband does the grilling. I hate to be so stereotypical with the man at the grill, but I am afraid it's going to blow up in my face or something. Those scallops came out great!

    4. Cheryl says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:19 am

      OMG - I so want that purple grille and that scallop recipe looked just perfect. Thanks!! Cheryl

    5. Danielle says

      July 14, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      LOVE the color of your grill!

      I had never grilled before either until late last week! Q and I discovered that our fenced-in back patio area has a grill and decided to make kabobs! So easy and it's nice to make a meal without the oven heating the whole house in these warm, Summer months!

    6. Danielle says

      July 14, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      LOVE the color of your grill!

      I had never grilled before either until late last week! Q and I discovered that our fenced-in back patio area has a grill and decided to make kabobs - so easy! Plus, it's nice to make a meal without the oven heating the whole house in these warm, Summer months!

    7. Justine says

      July 14, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      This is such a cool grill! The scallops look yummy and you and your husband are so cute!!!

    8. Sarah says

      July 14, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      How adorable, and the dish looks absolutely delicious, too (#thosegritstho). My own grilling experiences are pretty rare so kudos to you! x

    9. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:57 pm

      We have a Weber gas grill and it gets used more than once a week, weather permitting. Love your purple one 🙂

    10. Joanne says

      July 15, 2015 at 8:11 am

      If it makes you feel any better, I've never grilled EVVEEERR. Which just seems all kinds of shameful now. I'm probably going to have to have a grill takeover at my mom's just to prove that I can!

    11. Mary Frances says

      July 15, 2015 at 9:49 am

      Grilling means the same thing as summer to me. So glad you got to try it for the first time! It looks like you had a lot of fun, and the scallops look delicious!!

    12. Sam @ SugarSpunRun says

      July 15, 2015 at 10:52 am

      That purple grill is too cute, I love it! And I don't think I've ever grilled, either, my husband does it all in our house, too!
      These scallops sound awesome!

    13. Pam says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:06 pm

      Cute grill. Love this recipe - scallops are my favorite.

    14. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goooosh just yes yes, and forever yes. I need this NOW!!

    15. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      Ooooh I have been dreaming about grits since last week and here you have it! The color of the grill is stunning and pass me a plate please!! Yumm.

    16. Dani @ House in Tillford says

      July 18, 2015 at 4:42 am

      Yum! I haven't used a grill before but looks like you nailed it!

    Trackbacks

    1. Best Grill Recipes | Vacation Differently says:
      July 15, 2016 at 11:02 am

      […] in seafood. Scallops, in particular, reign supreme. In true Southern style, whip up this Grilled Scallops and Grits recipe from blogger “We are not Martha.” This decadent meal looks and tastes fancy without […]

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