Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

If you’re looking for a simple yet luxurious seafood dish, these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the perfect choice. This recipe elevates the delicate sweetness of scallops with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. Baked to perfection in just 15-20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to explore seafood, these scallops are sure to impress.

The combination of fresh scallops, garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of parsley creates a vibrant and flavorful dish that is both comforting and elegant. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s ideal for those who crave gourmet flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a dish that will transport you straight to a seaside restaurant.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can make it at home with just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights or when you want a quick, impressive meal.

2. Luxurious and Elegant

Garlic butter baked scallops are a great way to bring the elegance of a fine-dining experience to your home kitchen with minimal effort.

3. Flavorsome and Balanced

The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the scallops, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a romantic dinner, holiday gathering, or a celebratory meal, these scallops are sure to impress your guests and make the occasion feel even more special.

5. Minimal Cleanup

With just a single baking dish required, this recipe ensures minimal cleanup, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

• Scallops
• Garlic, minced
• Butter, melted
• Breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Add Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the scallops before baking for a tangy, citrusy twist that complements the garlic butter.
• Cheese Topping: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the breadcrumbs before baking for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a mild spicy kick to balance the richness of the garlic butter.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of parsley for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the scallops.

Step 2: Arrange the Scallops

Place the scallops in a baking dish in a single layer. If you have larger scallops, consider using a slightly bigger dish to fit them comfortably.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, melted butter, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Scallops

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring they are all coated with the buttery goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. The breadcrumbs should turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with additional parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Scallops: Fresh scallops will provide the best flavor and texture, but if you must use frozen scallops, ensure they are properly thawed and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
• Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly, and overcooking can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re opaque and firm.
• Breadcrumb Texture: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture or regular breadcrumbs for a softer topping. Both work well depending on your preference.
• Butter Temperature: Melt the butter, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can separate. Gently melt it for the best results.

How to Serve

These garlic butter baked scallops are perfect on their own, served as an appetizer, or as part of a seafood platter. They pair wonderfully with side dishes like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a light pasta or creamy risotto.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover garlic butter baked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing

While freezing scallops is not recommended for this specific recipe due to the texture changes after baking, you can freeze fresh, raw scallops before cooking if needed. Thaw them completely before preparing this dish.

Reheating

Reheat any leftovers gently in the oven or in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the scallops moist. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them tough.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.

2. How do I know when scallops are cooked?

Scallops are done when they are opaque throughout and firm to the touch. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them.

3. Can I make this recipe with other seafood?

Yes, you can substitute scallops with shrimp, lobster, or even fish fillets for a similar garlic butter treatment.

4. What can I serve with garlic butter baked scallops?

You can serve them with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of pasta or rice for a complete meal.

5. How can I make the breadcrumbs crispy?

For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with a little butter before sprinkling them over the scallops.

6. Can I use regular butter instead of melted butter?

Yes, but melted butter helps evenly distribute the garlic and seasonings over the scallops for optimal flavor.

7. How do I prevent scallops from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking them. Scallops only need a short cooking time—about 15-20 minutes in the oven is usually sufficient.

8. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking will add a rich, melty texture and extra flavor.

9. Can I use a different herb instead of parsley?

Yes, thyme, rosemary, or basil can be used in place of parsley to create a different flavor profile.

10. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and coat the scallops ahead of time, then bake them just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, these scallops will certainly impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful and luxurious seafood dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

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