From Boat to Grill: 4th of July Grilled Sea Scallops

Shared with pride by Chatham Harvesters 

As Chatham Harvesters, we’re lucky to enjoy the freshest local seafood straight from the waters off Cape Cod—and there’s no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with perfectly grilled scallops. Fresh, sweet, and sustainably harvested, these scallops are a true taste of summer and a highlight of our coastal bounty.

Here's how we like to prepare them:

Grilling Our Sea Scallops:

• Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high heat (around 375°F–450°F). A hot grill ensures a good sear without overcooking.

• Oil the Grates: Clean and lightly oil your grill grates to prevent those precious scallops from sticking.

• Simple Seasoning: We keep it classic—olive oil or melted butter, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper to let the natural flavor shine.

• Quick Cook Time: These beauties only need 2–3 minutes per side. Look for opaque centers and golden grill marks—don’t overdo it!

• Give Them Space: Don’t crowd the grill; spacing helps them sear evenly. Or consider skewing them with vegetables

Flavor Boosts from Our Kitchen:

• Lemon-Garlic Browned Butter: One of our favorites. Melt butter in a grill-safe pan until golden and nutty, then stir in minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon. Drizzle over scallops right off the grill.

• Marinades: A quick marinade of citrus, olive oil, and herbs adds a bright, zesty layer to the scallops before they hit the grill. Even barbeque sauce!

• Garnish Matters: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges not only look great—they complement the scallops’ sweetness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions from Our Tables:

• As-Is: Grilled scallops drizzled with lemon-garlic butter are always a hit.

• Scallop Rolls: For something different, serve them in a toasted bun with a tangy celery root slaw. A Cape Cod twist on a classic!

• With Sides: We love them alongside seasonal sides like corn and tomato salad, grilled vegetables, or saffron rice.

Whether you're firing up the grill in your backyard or at the beach, these local scallops are sure to impress. From all of us at Chatham Harvesters, happy grilling and Happy 4th of July!