Name: Half Shell Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 12 half shell scallops (-I have used QLD scallops with no roe because I don't like it (told you I was fussy)); 40 g butter, ghee or macadamia oil (-melted); 1 clove/s garlic (-peeled and crushed); 1 lemon/s (-zest finely grated); 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley (-finely chopped); 30 g slivered almonds ((¼ cup))

Half Shell Scallops are SO simple & fast to make, prep to plate in 10 minutes. Perfect for a fast Christmas day or celebratory starter.

So with Christmas Day fast approaching, I thought I’d share one of my favourite ‘celebration’ starters. These Half Shell Scallops are such a simple, yet impressive start to a Christmas Day feast or other special occasions. Better still, they are SO simple and fast to make – prep to plate in less than 10 minutes (5 if you have good knife skills)! Goes to prove even ‘special’ can be too easy!

Seafood is such an Australian Christmas tradition, but I’m so fussy with seafood. I don’t do crustaceans (shame because growing up, my grandfather, uncle, and cousin were all cray-fisherman off the coast of WA). But scallops, when well cooked, I just love! The key with them is to add flavour without overpowering their own sweet, melt in the mouth taste and I think this recipe does that perfectly.

Hope you enjoy this delicious starter!

Health benefits

Scallops are rich in lean protein and packed with vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium. Paired with healthy fats from butter or ghee, and a sprinkle of heart-healthy almonds or macadamia nuts, this gluten-free dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

You’ll need fresh half shell scallops, melted butter or ghee, garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley leaves, and slivered almonds. A few simple, high-quality ingredients go a long way in making this dish shine.

How to make Half Shell Scallops

Start by preheating your grill (broiler) to 180°C/350°F. Arrange the scallops on a baking tray and top with a delicious mix of butter, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. Sprinkle with slivered almonds and pop under the grill for just 3 minutes. You can also cook them on the BBQ (on high) for a quick summer alternative.

Serving suggestions and how to store

Serve these scallops with lemon cheeks (and a good squeeze of lemon juice), a sprinkle of parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. For a pop of colour, add edible flowers like garlic flowers. If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Vary this half shell scallops recipe to suit

For a dairy-free version, use ghee or macadamia oil instead of butter. You can swap slivered almonds for crushed macadamia nuts, or if you need a nut-free option, try fresh breadcrumbs or skip the topping altogether.

Take a look at the variations below for all the details as well as suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.