Mediterranean 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 a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean Grilled Scallops with Apricot Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep scallop from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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.
