Smoked Scallops
Posted: 07/17/25
Updated: 07/22/25
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This simple recipe for Smoked Scallops is super easy! Smoked Scallops are the perfect beginners recipe for your smoker, and served with an addictive citrus garlic butter they’re perfect for serving as a light dinner with a side of greens, spooned over a creamy risotto, or with a crusty baguette as an appetizer!
What We Love About This Recipe
- These scallops are the perfect beginners recipe if you’re new to smoking. All you need is a basic set-up, and about 1 hour smoking time.
- The citrus garlic butter adds SO MUCH flavor! You can also use your favorite pre-made compound butter that works with seafood.
- There are so many ways to serve these Smoked Scallops! Pair them with grilled asparagus or broccolini, some toasted baguette, or a creamy risotto. To drink if you’re making them for a special occasion? They’ll work well with a Sauvignon Blanc or an Albariño.
Chef’s Tips
- Scallops are easy to overcook, but almost impossible to get wrong if you use an instant read thermometer.
- The internal cooked temperature for scallops in this recipe is 120F-130F, a little lower than the usual internal temperature of cooked scallops at 145F, which yields slightly overcooked scallops.
Frequently Asked Questions
My scallops came with the roes attached, can I leave them on?
Yes! Not everyone is a fan, but if they’re still attached they’ll smoke along with the scallops.
Can I make the citrus garlic butter for these smoked scallops ahead?
Make it up to 3 days and store it in the refrigerator, or up to a month ahead and keep it in the freezer. You can also make extra to serve with fish or shrimp.
Other Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
- Medium Rare Air Fryer Salmon (in 10 minutes!)
- Tuna Carpaccio with Avocado
- Easy Creamy Seafood Chili
- Creole Seafood Jambalaya
- Easy Homemade Teriyaki Shrimp
- Ahi Tuna Ceviche Recipe
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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Smoked Scallops
These easy Smoked Scallops are served in an addictive citrus garlic butter, perfect to serve as an appetizer or with a creamy risotto.
Ingredients
For the Scallops
- 2-1 ½ lbs large sea scallops dry-packed preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional for extra color/flavor
For the Citrus Garlic Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley plus extra for garnish
Equipment
- smoker
- mild wood like apple, alder, or cherry
- Wire rack
Instructions
Smoke the Scallops
- Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels (this is crucial for good texture and smoke absorption).
- In a bowl, toss the scallops with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Let sit while you prep your smoker.
- Set your smoker to 225°F. Use a mild wood like apple, alder, or cherry for a delicate smoke that won't overpower the scallops.
- Place scallops directly on a lightly greased wire rack or perforated pan to allow smoke to circulate. Smoke for 45-60m, until they are opaque and just firm to the touch (internal temp should be 120–130°F for tender scallops). Don’t overcook!
Make the Butter
- While the scallops are smoking, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then keep warm.
Finish & Serve
- Once scallops are done, plate them and spoon warm citrus garlic butter over the top. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Notes
Make the butter up to 3 days and store it in the refrigerator, or up to a month ahead and keep it in the freezer. You can also make extra to serve with fish or shrimp.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 239kcal | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 5g | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Net Carbs: 4.7g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 838mg | Potassium: 259mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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