Grilled or Broiled Scallops with Basil Stuffing

Grilled or Broiled Scallops with Basil Stuffing is an exquisite seafood dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and guarantees to impress your taste buds with its delightful flavors. This recipe features large sea scallops filled with a flavorful basil mixture, making it an easy yet elegant option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast.

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of succulent sea scallops and the aromatic basil stuffing. The recipe offers a versatile base, allowing you to explore various stuffing options to cater to your taste preferences. From a Thai-inspired version with Thai basil and nam pla to a savory twist with miso and cayenne, there’s a stuffing variation for everyone to enjoy.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• About 11/2 pounds large sea scallops
• Lemon wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mince the basil, garlic, salt, and pepper together until finely pureed. Note that using a food processor may not be ideal for this step. Instead, use a small bowl or cup to mix the ingredients with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Make a deep horizontal slit in the side of each scallop, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. Fill each scallop with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the basil mixture and then close them.
4. Pour the remaining olive oil onto a plate or pan and turn the scallops in it, ensuring they are coated with the oil.
5. Preheat your charcoal or gas grill or set the broiler to a high temperature with the rack placed about 4 inches from the heat source.
6. Place the scallops on the grill or under the broiler, avoiding pouring the remaining oil over them to prevent any flare-ups.
7. Grill or broil the scallops for 2 to 3 minutes per side, making sure not to overcook them.
8. Once the scallops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat source.
9. Serve the grilled or broiled scallops immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of citrusy flavor.

VARIATIONS:

• Grilled or Broiled Scallops with Thai Basil Stuffing: Substitute Thai basil for the basil, use 2 teaspoons of nam pla (Thai fish sauce) instead of salt, and switch olive oil for peanut or neutral oil. Add minced fresh chile or hot red pepper flakes and a pinch of sugar to the basil mixture for a spicier twist. Serve with lime wedges instead of lemon for a Thai-inspired touch.

• Grilled or Broiled Scallops with Miso Stuffing: Omit the basil and garlic, and use peanut or neutral oil. Create a paste by combining 1/2 cup white or yellow miso with mirin (or honey and water), a light sprinkling of salt, a pinch of cayenne, and the oil. Use this miso mixture to fill the scallops and smear the outsides with the remaining oil.

• Bacon-Wrapped Grilled or Broiled Scallops: Omit the basil. Marinate the scallops with all the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Wrap the scallops with cooked bacon slices secured with soaked toothpicks for a savory and indulgent twist.

• Kombu-Wrapped Grilled or Broiled Scallops: Omit the basil and use dark sesame oil instead of olive oil. Marinate the scallops with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Wrap the scallops with soaked kombu strips, securing them with soaked toothpicks. Serve with Soy Dipping Sauce and Marinade or Ponzu Sauce for a delightful Japanese-inspired flavor.

These variations open up a world of possibilities to tailor the dish to your preferences or create a diverse seafood menu for gatherings and celebrations. Whether you opt for the classic basil stuffing or experiment with the exciting twists, the Grilled or Broiled Scallops will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience to new heights. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender scallops and the aromatic flavors of the stuffing, creating a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.