Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Juicy scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special dinners or an indulgent treat!

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

  • 1 lb large sea scallops (fresh or thawed, patted dry)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or more for extra garlicky flavor)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon, freshly squeezed)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (freshly grated is ideal for better flavor)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 pinch paprika (optional, for color and a touch of spice)

For Serving:

  • Lemon wedges (to squeeze over the scallops before eating)
  • Optional sides: Roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the scallops from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Scallops

  1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent them from cooking evenly.
  2. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, leaving a small amount of space between each scallop for even cooking.

Step 4: Coat the Scallops

  1. Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each one is generously coated. Use a spoon to evenly distribute the garlic and butter.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and paprika (if using).
  2. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the cheese and parsley.
  3. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring that each scallop gets a good layer of the topping.

Step 6: Bake the Scallops

  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and tender.
    • Tip: Avoid overbaking, as scallops can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
  2. To add a golden, crispy finish, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Once the scallops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
  3. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the scallops.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose Fresh Scallops:
    • Fresh sea scallops are ideal, but frozen scallops can work well if thawed properly.
    • To thaw, place frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Dry Scallops Thoroughly:
    • Removing excess moisture ensures the scallops bake properly without steaming.
  3. Use Fresh Parmesan:
    • Freshly grated Parmesan adds a more robust flavor than pre-packaged varieties.
  4. Breadcrumb Variations:
    • Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a citrusy twist.
    • Swap Panko breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery alternative.
  5. Double the Sauce:
    • If you love extra garlic butter, consider doubling the butter mixture and serving it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair beautifully with:

  1. Vegetables:
    • Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach.
  2. Starches:
    • Creamy garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or rice pilaf.
  3. Bread:
    • Serve with crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~200 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and ingredient brands)
  • Protein: High in protein, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: The entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Elegant: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like something from a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or topping to suit your taste preferences.

This recipe is a showstopper that combines the delicate flavor of scallops with the rich, savory notes of garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Let me know if you’d like additional tips or modifications!

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