Description
A quick and delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops that combines tender, succulent scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Perfectly baked to golden perfection in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound scallops
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the scallops evenly.
- Melt Butter: In a pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter carefully without burning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to maintain flavor.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the butter and garlic mixture, then remove the pan from the heat to preserve the fresh lemon aroma.
- Arrange Scallops: Place 1 pound of scallops in a baking dish evenly spaced out for uniform cooking.
- Pour Garlic Butter: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops to coat each piece in flavor.
- Add Breadcrumbs and Parsley: Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley evenly over the scallops to add a crispy topping and fresh herb aroma.
- Season: Season the scallops with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops turn opaque and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, ensuring tender and perfectly cooked seafood.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are fresh and well cleaned before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for extra crunch.
- Do not overcook scallops as they become rubbery; they should be opaque and tender.
- Serve immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil though flavor profile will vary.
