Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops shine as a luxurious seafood delicacy from coastal kitchens. Rich butter and aromatic garlic elevate tender scallops into an elegant dish perfect for special dinners where simple ingredients create memorable culinary experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large scallops, patted dry
Cheese and Crumbs:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking dish and position oven rack in the middle position, heating to precisely 400F (200C) for optimal scallop cooking.
- Create a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
- Arrange scallops in a pristine single layer within the baking dish, ensuring each mollusk is meticulously positioned without overcrowding.
- Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over the scallops, carefully coating each piece to maximize flavor penetration.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining golden breadcrumbs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley, creating a textural contrast.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the scallops, allowing for complete coverage and maximum crunch potential.
- Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until scallops transform to a pearly opaque white and the topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue.
- Remove from oven and let rest momentarily, then garnish with bright lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness.
- Serve immediately while the scallops remain warm and the topping maintains its perfect crispy texture.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden exterior when baking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding previously frozen options if possible.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer without overcrowding to promote even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 305 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg