Imagine a dish so luxurious, so mouthwateringly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. These honey broiled sea scallops are your ticket to culinary magic, combining the sweet complexity of honey with the delicate, buttery texture of premium sea scallops. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family, or simply elevate your home cooking game, this recipe is your golden ticket to seafood perfection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of sea scallops, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create a marinade.
- Add the sea scallops to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the scallops are marinating, preheat your broiler on high. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- After marinating, remove the scallops from the bowl and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other for even cooking.
- Broil the scallops for about 4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them over and broil for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until they are opaque and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, remove the scallops from the oven and let them rest for a minute. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the honey broiled sea scallops warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops for the best flavor and texture. Avoid scallops that look wet or milky.
- Pat scallops completely dry before marinating. Excess moisture prevents proper caramelization and searing.
- Don't marinate scallops for too long, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to "cook" the delicate protein.
- Watch your broiler carefully! Scallops cook quickly and can go from perfectly done to rubbery in seconds.
- Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor profile - local or raw honey can add an extra dimension to the dish.
- For a beautiful presentation, serve immediately after cooking to maintain the scallops' delicate texture and temperature.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 40mg
