Grilling scallops on a cedar plank adds a delicious smoky flavor to this seafood delicacy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grill scallops on a cedar plank by Papa Ken at Maine Grilling Products.
Ingredients:
- Fresh scallops
- Cedar plank (soaked in water or better yet, chardonnay for at least 1 hour)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cedar Plank:
- Submerge the cedar plank in water or pre-soaked cedar planks in chardonnay for at least 1 hour before grilling. This prevents it from catching fire on the grill.
- You can also add flavor to the plank by soaking it in white wine, apple juice, or other liquids for added complexity.
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Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). It's essential to have a two-zone fire: one side for direct heat and one side for indirect heat.
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Prepare the Scallops:
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Remove the small side muscle (if present) from each scallop. It's a small, tough piece that's typically attached to the side of the scallop.
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Season the Scallops:
- Drizzle the scallops with a bit of olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite seafood seasoning or herbs for extra flavor.
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Place Scallops on Cedar Plank:
- Take the soaked cedar plank out of the water and pat it dry.
- Arrange the seasoned scallops evenly on the cedar plank, leaving a bit of space between each one.
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Grill the Scallops:
- Place the cedar plank with the scallops on the indirect heat side of the grill.
- Close the grill lid and let the scallops cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can become tough and rubbery if cooked too long.
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Optional Basting:
- If you'd like, you can brush the scallops with a bit of melted butter or a sauce of your choice during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
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Serve:
- Carefully remove the cedar plank with the cooked scallops from the grill.
- Serve the grilled scallops immediately on the cedar plank or transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Grilled scallops on a cedar plank make for a delightful and flavorful seafood dish. Enjoy your meal! Papa Ken