Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops deliver a luxurious seafood experience straight from Mediterranean coastal kitchens. Rich butter, fresh herbs, and perfectly seared scallops promise a memorable dinner that transports you to elegant seaside dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment for the delicate seafood.
- Create a luxurious garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Carefully position the scallops in a single layer within a spacious baking dish, allowing each piece ample room for even cooking.
- Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Craft a crispy topping by blending Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley in a mixing bowl.
- Liberally sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture across the butter-glazed scallops, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and the topping to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crispness.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with bright, zesty lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s delicate flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while the scallops are hot and the topping remains wonderfully crisp.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a clean, sweet ocean smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before baking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Adjust baking time based on scallop size – smaller scallops cook faster and can easily become rubbery if overcooked.
- Swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg