Description
Garlic butter baked scallops shine as a luxurious seafood delicacy that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness. Succulent sea treasures bathed in herb-infused butter promise an elegant dining experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) sea scallops (patted dry)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavor-packed garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, tangy lemon juice, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Arrange fresh scallops in a single, even layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Season the scallops with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Generously drizzle the prepared garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each piece is well-coated and glistening.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining golden panko breadcrumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
- Liberally scatter the breadcrumb and cheese mixture across the scallops, creating a textural and flavorful crust.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and become tender.
- For an extra-golden finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately alongside bright lemon wedges to add a citrusy zest to the dish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor without excess water.
- Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when baking.
- Avoid overcooking by checking scallops at the 12-minute mark; they should be slightly translucent in the center and opaque white.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg