Description
Delight in these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a family favorite or an elegant appetizer, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a deliciously savory meal ready in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 1 lb large scallops, patted dry
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the scallops perfectly.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Assemble the Scallops: Arrange the scallops in a single layer inside a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them, making sure every scallop is well-coated with the sauce.
- Add the Topping: In another small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the scallops to create a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake the Scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the baked scallops hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the scallops dry before baking to achieve a better sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Do not overcook the scallops; they should be opaque and just firm to the touch to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried, but use less as dried herbs have a stronger flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Lemon wedges add a refreshing acidity and are recommended to enhance flavor just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
