Ah, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops — a quick, elegant seafood dish that’s rich, flavorful, and melts in your mouth! 🐚🧈 Here’s a complete guide:
🐚 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
(Serves 2–4)
Ingredients
- 12–16 large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and subtle flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the scallops:
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels (this helps them sear and prevents sogginess).
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Make garlic butter:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Assemble for baking:
- Place scallops in a single layer in a baking dish or individual ramekins.
- Pour garlic butter over the scallops, making sure each one is coated.
- Optional: sprinkle a little Parmesan over each scallop.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and just cooked through.
- Avoid overcooking, as scallops become rubbery.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Delicious with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Broil for a golden top: After baking, broil for 1–2 minutes to get a lightly browned, caramelized top.
- Add heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter before baking.
- Serving ideas: Serve over creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or garlic butter noodles.
I can also give a restaurant-style method that sears the scallops first for a caramelized crust and then finishes them in garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Do you want me to give that version?
