Hair Extentions

GARLIC BUTTER BAKED SCALLOPS

4 min read

Perfectly tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a golden, crispy topping—this dish is a seafood lover’s dream!

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh sea scallops (or frozen, thawed)

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Topping:

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnishing & Serving:

  • Lemon wedges

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

    • Tip: Drying the scallops well ensures they bake with a good texture.

  3. Place the scallops in a bowl and toss them with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Set aside while you prepare the butter sauce.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

  2. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Topping

  1. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and garlic powder.

  2. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a greased baking dish.

  2. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops.

  3. Sprinkle the crispy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.

Step 5: Bake the Scallops

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and slightly firm.

  2. If you want a golden crust, broil the scallops for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Remove from the oven and let the scallops rest for 2 minutes.

  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

  3. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes like garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh salad!

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

  • Pasta: Serve over angel hair pasta for a luxurious meal.

  • Rice or Quinoa: A light and healthy side option.

  • Steamed Vegetables: Such as asparagus or green beans for added freshness.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

1. Choosing the Right Scallops

  • Sea Scallops (larger) are best for baking. They remain juicy and tender.

  • Bay Scallops (smaller) can be used but cook much faster. Reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

2. Don’t Overcook!

  • Overcooked scallops become rubbery. They should be just opaque and slightly firm when done.

3. Fresh vs. Frozen Scallops

  • Fresh scallops have the best flavor, but frozen scallops work too—just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

4. Broiling for Extra Crispiness

  • If you love a golden crust, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.

5. Enhancing the Flavor

  • Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for a more complex flavor.

Variations & Substitutes

1. Keto & Low-Carb Version

  • Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb alternative.

2. Spicy Version

  • Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

3. Extra Cheesy Scallops

  • Add extra Parmesan cheese or even a touch of Gruyère on top.

4. Lemon Butter Scallops

  • Add extra lemon zest to the butter sauce for a fresh citrusy flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~350 kcal

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbs: 10g

  • Sodium: Moderate, but adjust based on dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?

  • Yes! You can assemble the dish (except the breadcrumbs) a few hours before baking.

  • Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for the crispiest texture.

Q4: Can I cook scallops on the stovetop instead?

  • Yes! Sear them in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a simple yet luxurious dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. The combination of juicy scallops, buttery garlic sauce, and crispy Parmesan topping makes it an irresistible seafood dish.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite!

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