Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops offer a luxurious seafood experience that whispers Mediterranean coastal charm. Delicate shellfish bathe in rich, herbed butter, promising a quick gourmet meal packed with elegant simplicity you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface and heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C).
- Position the scallops in a uniform, single layer within the prepared dish, then delicately season with salt and pepper.
- Create a vibrant garlic butter mixture by whisking together melted butter, finely minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Drizzle the aromatic garlic butter evenly across the scallops, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle a crisp layer of breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops, providing a golden, textured topping.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the scallops transform into a translucent white and develop a crispy, golden exterior.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 130F (54C), which indicates perfectly cooked scallops.
- Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top and serving immediately alongside bright, tangy lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust when baking.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
- Opt for unsalted butter to control sodium levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still provides a rich, cheesy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg