Smoked Scallops Recipe – A Gourmet Seafood Delight with Rich Flavor

by Oleg Nikitenko January 31, 2025

Smoked Scallops Recipe: A Gourmet Seafood Delight

Smoked scallops are a delicacy that offers a perfect balance of sweet, buttery seafood flavor with a rich, smoky aroma. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, smoking scallops is an easy yet impressive dish that will elevate your seafood experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know to make perfectly smoked scallops, including ingredients, cooking techniques, expert tips, and serving suggestions.

For premium-quality scallops, check out Global Seafoods for fresh, sustainably sourced scallops delivered straight to your door.

Why Smoke Scallops?

πŸ”₯ Enhanced Flavor: Smoking imparts a deep, smoky richness that enhances the scallops' natural sweetness.
πŸ”₯ Versatile Dish: Serve smoked scallops as an appetizer, in pasta, salads, or on a seafood platter.
πŸ”₯ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, scallops make for a heart-healthy meal.
πŸ”₯ Simple Cooking Process: With the right preparation and the perfect wood chips, smoking scallops is easy and foolproof.

For high-quality scallops, browse Global Seafoods' premium scallop collection .

Smoked Scallops Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

βœ” 1 pound fresh sea scallops (preferably dry-packed for better texture)
βœ” ΒΌ cup olive oil
βœ” ΒΌ cup fresh lemon juice
βœ” 1 teaspoon garlic powder
βœ” Β½ teaspoon smoked paprika
βœ” Β½ teaspoon sea salt
βœ” ΒΌ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
βœ” 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra richness)
βœ” Wood chips (Applewood, Cherry, or Hickory work best)

Equipment Needed

πŸ”Ή Smoker or Pellet Grill
πŸ”Ή Grilling Mat or Wire Mesh Tray (Prevents scallops from falling through)
πŸ”Ή Basting Brush
πŸ”Ή Meat Thermometer

How to Smoke Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

  • Rinse scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • If your scallops have a small side muscle, remove it by gently pulling it off.

Step 2: Marinate the Scallops

  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat the scallops evenly with the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Smoker

  • Preheat your smoker to 225Β°F (107Β°C).
  • Add applewood, cherry, or hickory wood chips for the perfect smoky aroma.
  • Use a grilling mat or wire mesh tray to prevent scallops from sticking.

Step 4: Smoke the Scallops

  • Place the scallops in a single layer on the smoker.
  • Smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour until scallops reach an internal temperature of 130-140Β°F.
  • Optional: Finish scallops with a quick sear in a hot pan for a crispy crust.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Remove from the smoker and let them rest for 2 minutes.
  • Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, or a light garlic aioli.
  • Pair with grilled vegetables, pasta, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Scallops

πŸ”₯ Use Dry-Packed Scallops – Wet-packed scallops contain preservatives that affect flavor and texture.
πŸ”₯ Don't Overcook! – Scallops cook quickly. Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark to prevent rubbery texture.
πŸ”₯ Experiment with Flavors – Try a honey glaze, cajun seasoning, or a soy-ginger marinade for variety.
πŸ”₯ Choose the Right Wood Chips – Applewood & cherry give scallops a sweet, mild smokiness, while hickory provides a deeper, richer flavor.

Looking for the freshest scallops? Check out Hokkaido Scallops for premium quality!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

🍽️ As an Appetizer: Serve smoked scallops with a lemon-garlic aioli and toasted crostini.
🍽️ In Pasta: Toss them with butter, garlic, and linguine for a restaurant-quality dish.
🍽️ On a Salad: Add them to a fresh arugula or kale salad with citrus dressing.
🍽️ With Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

πŸ‘‰ Want ready-to-eat smoked scallops? Try Smoked Weathervane Scallops for a quick, gourmet seafood treat!

FAQs About Smoking Scallops

Q: Can I use frozen scallops?

A: Yes! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe.

Q: What type of smoker is best for scallops?

A: Pellet, electric, and charcoal smokers all work well. Pellet grills provide even heat and great smoke flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover smoked scallops?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I serve smoked scallops cold?

A: Absolutely! They’re great in cold pasta salads or as part of a seafood platter.

Where to Buy Premium Scallops Online

For the best-quality scallops, order from Global Seafoods :

πŸ¦ͺ Hokkaido Scallops – Sweet, rich flavor, perfect for smoking.
πŸ¦ͺ Jumbo Sea Scallops – Large, meaty, and ideal for grilling.
πŸ¦ͺ Alaskan Pink Scallops – Wild-caught and sustainably sourced.
πŸ¦ͺ Smoked Weathervane Scallops – Pre-smoked for a convenient gourmet treat.

πŸ”₯ EXCLUSIVE OFFER! Use discount code PO25 at checkout for special savings on premium scallops! πŸ”₯

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Seafood Game with Smoked Scallops

Smoked scallops are an easy, flavorful, and gourmet seafood dish that you can make at home with minimal effort. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, with pasta, or on a charcuterie board, they’re guaranteed to impress!

βœ… Want fresh scallops delivered? Order from Global Seafoods today!

Would you like more seafood recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive deals? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow Global Seafoods on YouTube for more seafood inspiration! 🍽️🐟πŸ”₯

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