Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops invite seafood enthusiasts on a luxurious culinary journey through delicate ocean flavors. Buttery, herbed medallions deliver restaurant-quality elegance with minimal kitchen effort you can easily master at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) sea scallops
Seasoning and Cheese:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a ceramic baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a fragrant garlic butter sauce by whisking melted butter with finely chopped garlic and a delicate sprinkle of kosher salt until smoothly combined.
- Gently place fresh scallops in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over each scallop, allowing the liquid to pool around the seafood.
- Craft a crispy topping by blending panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a textured and flavorful coating.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture across the scallops, pressing lightly to help the topping adhere and create a golden crust.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and the breadcrumbs to transform into a rich, golden brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the seafood to maintain its delicate texture.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze a bright citrus note over the dish just before enjoying.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are patted completely dry before baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture.
- Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the most tender and sweet flavor, preferably large-sized ones with a creamy white color.
- Customize the breadcrumb topping by using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to help them cook more evenly and maintain a delicate, silky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg