Teriyaki Scallops

The only way to properly begin this post is by thanking my friend, Tom.  This is a recipe adapted from his creation and honestly the best technique I’ve learned to grill the perfect scallops.  He uses Soy Vay Island Teriyaki to marinate them.  If you can find it use that and just follow the cooking directions in the recipe.  With certain things being out of stock during quarantine I couldn’t find it anywhere but that didn’t stop me from throwing together my own rendition.  I used a regular teriyaki sauce and added some pineapple juice and red pepper flakes.  The end result gives these scallops a light sweet flavor with a touch of heat and if you close your eyes you might just think you're sitting on your favorite island in the Caribbean.  Now, to shopping local.  Who doesn’t love seafood right off the boat?  That’s exactly what these scallops are.  Every Friday and Saturday Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers sells their fresh catch right off their cool green fishing boat.  Another thanks to Tom for sharing that these guys were right down the road from me.  Who knew?!  There’s no comparison to when you get your food this way.  Seafood… meat…veggies…  Fresh is best.  If you ask me, one good thing that’s come of Covid is buying from and supporting your local businesses.  Who else discovered a local resource you love?  Did you know it was sitting right under your nose this whole time?!  Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers has amazing seafood for amazing prices.  They’re great guys and if you go on Saturday I heard they even have festive music.  I’ll definitely be going back.  If you’re not local to Central NJ, then find the best scallops you can.  You can still make this recipe.  But ask around.  Who’s the coolest local business in your area?  Have you tried them out?  Now’s the perfect time!

Recipe for Teriyaki Scallops

Adapted from Tom Abogabal

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh scallops, washed and patted dry

• ½ cup Soy Vay teriyaki sauce

• ¼ cup pineapple juice

• 2-3 dashes red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicy

Directions:

Put teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, and red pepper flakes in small bowl and whisk to combine.  Put scallops in Ziploc bag.  Pour marinade over scallops in bag, seal, and rub to coat well.  Marinate in fridge for at least 2 hours.  

Put heavy duty non-stick aluminum foil on grill grates and preheat grill to med-high heat.  

Place scallops on foil (reserving the remaining marinade) and cook for a minute then pour a little of the marinade over top to cook them in it.  Cook a total of 5 minutes.  

Flip and cook for another minute, then pour a little more marinade on top.  Cook until done, about another 5 minutes depending on the size of your scallops.  You’ll know they’re down when they start to brown around the edges and blister a bit.