I am always on the lookout for a tasty twist on serving seafood. This recipe is based on one by Sydney chef and My Kitchen Rules host Pete Evans (pre-Paleo diet days) and is from his cookbook, Grill. I changed the recipe slightly to make the most of the ingredients in my fridge and pantry. I had originally bought the book as a gift for my husband several years ago, but I am actually the one who uses it! Featuring a collection of dishes designed to be cooked on the barbecue, it has certainly expanded my repertoire of meals prepared outdoors. 

These fragrant scallops are cooked in the half shell with a flavoured butter of fresh coriander, lime, chilli and a little garlic. I served them up as part of our family dinner with several other dishes, but they would certainly do well as an entree or main meal if coupled with a crisp salad of seasonal greens. What a way to woo your loved one on Valentine’s Day tomorrow! Best of all, the preparation time is minimal so you will have more time to enjoy the day together. 

Fragrant Barbecued Scallops 
to serve 2 people as a main meal or 6 as an entree

Ingredients
18 scallops on the half shell, grit and sand removed. 
150 g unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup loosely packed, fresh coriander leaves and fine stalks. Chop finely and set aside. 
juice of 2 limes
2 small cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped. 
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the barbecue  so that it is hot. 

Place the scallops in their shells on a large flat platter. 

Put the butter into a small mixing bowl and add all of the ingredients except for the salt and pepper. 

Mix together so that all of the ingredients are well combined. 

Scoop about a teaspoon of the mixture on top of each scallop. Add a grind of salt and pepper. 

Place the shells onto your barbecue plate and close the lid. If you don’t have a lid, use an upturned stainless steel bowl over the scallops. Cook for 4 minutes. Using tongs, remove the shells from the plate onto a serving platter, taking care not to spill the delicious buttery juices. 

Serve immediately and enjoy!