Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze
Juicy scallops glazed with a sweet apricot-honey mixture, paired with grilled lemon and thyme. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs scallop, apricot jam, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallop
- 1/3 cup apricot jam
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 lemon
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup apricot jam, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until smooth and glossy, ensuring the jam is fully incorporated. Tip: If the glaze is too thick, add 1 tsp water to achieve a brushable consistency.
- Step 2: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat both sides of the scallops with the apricot glaze, ensuring full coverage. Tip: Avoid over-brushing — excess glaze can cause the scallops to steam instead of sear.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to high heat (450°F/230°C). Place scallops on the grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just opaque. Tip: Do not move the scallops during cooking — they need direct contact with the heat to develop a nice sear.
- Step 4: Transfer scallops to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with 1 tsp thyme. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for additional zest. Tip: For extra flavor, garnish with a few whole thyme sprigs before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
