Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops bring coastal elegance to dinner tables with minimal effort. Marine sweetness mingles with rich herbed butter, creating a restaurant-worthy dish perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Butter and Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and position a baking dish to accommodate scallops in a single, uniform layer.
- Create a luxurious garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, smoky paprika, fiery cayenne pepper, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
- Generously coat each scallop with the aromatic garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining crunchy panko breadcrumbs with nutty Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
- Distribute the seasoned breadcrumb mixture evenly across the scallops, creating a golden, textured crust.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for translucent scallops and a perfectly bronzed topping.
- Garnish with bright, tangy lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s delicate flavor profile.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, dry-packed scallops to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess water release during baking.
- Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy, caramelized exterior and prevent steaming.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same crunchy texture and flavor profile.
- Use clarified butter or ghee for a richer taste and higher smoke point, which helps create a more even golden crust on the scallops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg