Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsWindjammer Restaurant & Upper Deck PubBroiled Sea Scallops Recipe

Broiled Sea Scallops Recipe

Time25m
Serves2

Make Broiled Sea Scallops Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Scallops

Method

Scallops

  1. 1

    Pat dry and trim

    Rinse scallops briefly under cold water and drain. Pat each scallop thoroughly dry with paper towels. If pin-like side muscle is present on any scallop, remove it by pulling it off.

  2. 2

    Season

    Place scallops in a single layer on a plate or shallow tray. Sprinkle both sides evenly with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the broiler and seasoned butter (this helps them sear quickly under the broiler).

Seasoned Butter

  1. 3

    Make butter mixture

    In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter gently until just melted. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt if needed (but scallops are already salted). Keep warm.

Broiling and Finishing

  1. 4

    Preheat broiler and prepare pan

    Position an oven rack 4–6 inches from the broiler element (top third of the oven). Preheat the broiler on high for at least 5 minutes. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and brush the foil lightly with the extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.

  2. 5

    Broil scallops

    Arrange the seasoned scallops on the prepared baking sheet so they are spaced at least 1/2 inch apart (not touching). Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the warm seasoned butter onto the top of each scallop (reserve remaining butter for finishing). Slide the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil until the tops and edges are golden-brown and the scallops are opaque through the center, about 6–8 minutes total, flipping once halfway through if your broiler heats unevenly (optional). Watch closely — broiling times vary; they should develop a light crust but not overcook.

  3. 6

    Rest and finish

    Remove scallops from the broiler and immediately spoon the remaining seasoned butter over them. Let rest for 1–2 minutes to allow juices to settle. Taste and add a small pinch of additional salt or a grind of black pepper if needed.

  4. 7

    Serve

    Transfer scallops to a warmed plate. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over and an optional sprinkle of extra chopped parsley. Serve alone as an appetizer or over rice/risotto or a light salad for a main.

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