Want to try grilling your scallops on a salt block?
Shellfish like prawns and scallops are two of my all-time favorite foods.
If you’ve ever had some, you’ll know what a treat they are.
But have you tried searing scallops on a salt block?
So, if you haven’t, go out and grab some scallops and a salt block ASAP!
Using just a salt block and minimal seasoning keeps things simple so that the seafood can shine.
Heating a salt block for the first time can be tricky so make sure you follow my instructions below.
Table of contents
How to Heat a Salt Block
Slowly heating a salt block is the most crucial step.
Cracking can occur if you heat it on a grill or in an oven too quickly.
On my gas grill, I place the block on the grill top, fire up the grill, and then set the temperature to low.
I start by heating the salt block on low for ten minutes, increasing it to medium for five to ten minutes, and then up to high for five to ten minutes, then it is ready to cook on.
When you begin cooking on the salt block, you want it to be between 450°F and 500°F. An infrared thermometer can be used to accurately measure the block’s temperature.
My dipping sauce recipe below is super quick to make. So when you’re waiting for the block to heat whip it up!
How Long to Cook Scallops on a Salt Block
You need to cook the scallops for 3 minutes on each side. Then remove them from the salt block.
The heat from the block ensures that whatever you’re cooking gets a delicious crust.
How to Season Scallops Before Searing
To season your scallops simply tossed them in some olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. That is all you need
You won’t have to add salt to your food when using the salt block you can a slight seasoning for it.
What Else Can You Cook on A Salt Block?
You can sear the perfect steak on a salt block or you could try a juicy piece of salmon on the salt block or chicken. Using a salt block helps lock in the moisture.
What You Need For Salt Black Scallops
Salt Block
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Lime Juice Fish Sauce
Rice Wine Vinegar
Toasted Sesame Oil
Minced Garlic Clove
Hot Chili Pepper (such as bird chili, habanero, cayenne, or Scotch bonnet, with stem and seeds removed, minced)
Large Wild-Caught Sea Scallops
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Searing Scallops on a Salt Block Recipe
Step 1: For ten minutes, cook the salt block on a gas grill or stovetop. Then increase the heat to medium for 5-10 minutes
Step 2: For another 5-10 minutes, turn the heat up to medium-high and get the block’s temperature to roughly 500°F.
Step 3: Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and the remaining ingredients (including sesame oil). Leave away until ready to serve.
Step 4: Once they’ve been rinsed and patted dry, remove the little white muscle found on the side of the scallop. Cover in some extra virgin olive oil and black pepper.
Step 5: Place the scallops on the salt block and sear until browned and springy to the touch, about 3 minutes per side,
Note: If your salt block is too small to accommodate all of your scallops at once, work in batches.
Step 6: Serve the scallops with the dipping sauce.
Salt Block Scallops
Equipment
- 1 Grill
Ingredients
- 1 9-10 inch square salt block
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic clove minced
- 1 whole hot chili pepper, for example, bird chili, habanero, cayenne, or Scotch bonnet, stem and seeds removed, minced
- ¼ cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 ¼ pound large, wild-caught sea scallops (about 16)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- For ten minutes, cook the salt block on a gas grill or stovetop. For an additional ten minutes, lower the heat to medium.
- For another 20 minutes, turn the heat up to medium-high and get the block's temperature to roughly 600°F.
- Pour 1/4 cup of water into a bowl and stir in the lime juice, fish sauce, and the remaining ingredients (including sesame oil). Leave away until ready to serve.
- Once they've been rinsed and patted dry, remove the little white muscle found on the side of the scallop. Note: Black pepper is a great addition to the scallops, and they should be left out at room temperature for at least a few minutes until the salt block is hot.
- Place the scallops on the salt block and sear until browned and springy to the touch, about 3 minutes per side, when the salt block is very hot. You should only be able to keep your hand over it for a few seconds. If your salt block is too small to accommodate all of your scallops at once, work in batches.
- Serve the scallops with the dipping sauce on a tray or plate.
How to Serve Seared Scallops?
Salt block scallops can be served a million different ways, some of my favorites include
Risotto
Smoked mac and cheese.
I hope you enjoyed making my favorite salt block scallops recipe! Let me know below how you served them.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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