Blackened Scallops with Avocado Corn Relish Recipe

This Blackened Scallops with Avocado Corn Relish recipe combines perfectly grilled scallops coated in a bold blend of spices with a fresh, vibrant avocado and corn topping. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this seafood appetizer brings together smoky barbecue flavors, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and bright citrus for an impressive dish that is perfect for summer entertaining, backyard gatherings, and special occasions.

The Inspiration

Scallops are prized around the world for their naturally sweet flavor and delicate texture. While often prepared with simple seasonings to highlight their freshness, this recipe takes inspiration from bold coastal cooking traditions by adding a flavorful blackening spice blend and pairing the seafood with a fresh, colorful relish.

The blackening technique is inspired by classic Cajun and Southern cooking methods, where seafood is coated with aromatic spices before being cooked over high heat. The combination of paprika, thyme, cayenne, garlic, onion, and black pepper creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering them.

Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe reflects the show’s approach to outdoor cooking by bringing restaurant-quality flavors to the backyard grill. Maddie and Kiki Longo showcase how seafood can become a barbecue highlight with the right techniques and ingredients.

Ingredients

For the blackened scallops

2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp dried thyme leaves
2 tsp ground cayenne
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
12 large (U-10) scallops (with abductor muscles removed)

For the avocado corn salsa

2 ripe avocadoes, peeled, pitted and coarsely mashed
3 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp green onion, finely sliced
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
24 Large Tortilla chips, to serve

Method

Prepare the salsa.
In a medium sized bowl, mix together the mashed avocados, red onion, green onion, corn, cilantro, lime juice, cumin and chili powder and season to taste with salt and pepper.
If you are using fresh corn, boil the cobs for 4-5 minutes before chilling and removing the kernels.
In a separate bowl, combine all the blackening spices together.
Pat scallops dry and sprinkle the blackening spice evenly on both sides of each scallop.
Preheat grill to high heat (475F).
To help prevent the scallops from sticking to the grill, rub or spray the grill grates with a neutral flavored oil.
Then place the scallops directly over the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
Do not move the scallops until they are ready to flip.
Remove the finished scallops and let them rest for 2 minutes.
Cut them in half. Place a dollop of avocado salsa on a tortilla chip and place half a scallop on top.
Repeat until all the scallops are plated and serve while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these scallop bites alongside other grilled seafood dishes such as lobster tails, grilled shrimp, or oysters for a complete seafood-inspired menu. They also pair beautifully with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and light citrus-based side dishes.

For drinks, serve these appetizers with crisp white wine, sparkling beverages, margaritas, or refreshing citrus cocktails. The lime and avocado flavors complement bright, refreshing drinks while balancing the smoky spice of the blackened scallops.

For a larger meal, transform this appetizer into a main dish by serving the scallops over rice, salad greens, or grilled vegetables. The avocado corn relish also works wonderfully as a topping for tacos, making this recipe a versatile addition to any barbecue menu.

Final Thoughts

This Blackened Scallops with Avocado Corn Relish recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative grilling. The smoky spice crust on the scallops pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado, sweet corn, and bright lime relish, creating a dish that is both elegant and approachable.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!