Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops deliver a luxurious seafood experience from coastal kitchens. Delicate marine flavors combine with rich butter and aromatic garlic, inviting diners to savor Mediterranean-inspired elegance on their plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops (patted dry)
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsps parsley (fresh, chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adhesion.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk melted butter with finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant sauce.
- Scallop Arrangement: Position fresh scallops in a single, uncrowded layer within the prepared dish, then delicately season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauce Application: Drench the scallops thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage and glistening appearance.
- Crispy Topping Creation: Blend panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle generously over the scallops to form a textural crust.
- Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until scallops transform to an opaque, tender state.
- Final Browning: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish, monitoring closely to prevent charring.
- Presentation: Withdraw from oven, embellish with fresh parsley, and accompany with lemon wedges for a zesty complement.
Notes
- Prevent Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long; watch carefully and remove from oven the moment they turn opaque and slightly firm.
- Moisture Matters: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Breadcrumb Technique: Toast panko breadcrumbs lightly before adding to create extra crunch and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
- Temperature Precision: Use room temperature scallops for even cooking and allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to promote uniform heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg