Broiled Scallops are one of the easiest and most luxurious seafood dishes you can make at home. With just a few ingredients and under 15 minutes, you’ll have golden-topped, juicy broiled scallops bursting with flavor. Whether you're making a fancy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this broiled scallops recipe is fast, foolproof, and absolutely delicious.
Course
main, Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine
American, Mediterranean
Keyword
cooking scallops, how to cook scallops, scallops, scallops recipe, what are scallops
Remove the scallops from the bag and pat them dry, then remove any side muscle if present.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This is a crucial tip for broiling. Avoid using parchment paper as it may burn, always opt for foil when lining your sheets.
Season the scallops with the dry seasoning, some minced garlic and melted butter.
Toss well to coat.
Broil The Scallops
Preheat the broiler to high and have the oven rack about 7-8 inches away from the heat elements.
Broil the scallops for about 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden and the scallops are just opaque in the center.
Remove from the broiler and they're ready!
Serve
To serve, simply plate it next to pasta, bread, rice or a simple salad we did here. Don't forget to have plenty of lemon wedges!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Scallops Recipe Tips
If you're using frozen scallops, make sure you thaw them.
Pat and dry them well. This helps the marinade and seasoning stick to the scallops. Most importantly, drying the scallops helps with the browning.
You ca use any size scallops you prefer, but just add the cooking time accordingly.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer always so they cook evenly.
Broilers are a very high source of heat, so always keep an eye on the scallops. They may cook faster than you expect.
Make sure to read the full tutorial on How to Cook Scallops. This covers everything from Seared Scallops to baked Scallops and all the tips you need!
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes! We did so right here, but make sure you thaw them fully in the fridge overnight. And keep in mind you need to pat them completely dry before broiling.
How do I know when scallops are done?
They should be opaque in the center and lightly golden on top. A perfectly cooked scallop is slightly springy to the touch.
Should I flip the scallops when broiling?
No flipping needed—broiling cooks from the top down. Just make sure the tops are nicely browned.
What kind of pan should I use?
You need to use either a heavy duty cast iron skillet, or baking sheet. If using a baking sheet, make sure you line it with FOIL and never with parchment paper. The parchment can burn so quickly under the broiler. Avoid glass bakeware as it can shatter under direct broiler heat.
What’s the difference between broiled and seared scallops?
Broiled: Cooks under high heat from above, often slightly more hands-off. Seared: Cooks in a hot pan with direct contact, needing more active attention.
Can I use bay scallops?
Bay scallops are smaller and cook much faster. Reduce the broiling time to 2–3 minutes. We have used them in our Air Fryer Scallops.