Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Introduction

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an elegant yet easy dish that combines tender, juicy scallops with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish that is simple to prepare. The scallops are baked to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible texture. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Quick and Simple: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious taste that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the scallops.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a gourmet dish at home without the hefty price tag or complicated steps.
  • Versatile Pairings: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: Great for dinner parties or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine (or chicken broth), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Arrange the Scallops:
    • Place the scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops, making sure each one is coated with the delicious mixture.
  4. Top with Breadcrumb Mixture:
    • In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops, giving them a nice crunchy topping.
  5. Bake the Scallops:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Remove from the oven and let the scallops rest for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon, and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your restaurant-quality garlic butter scallops!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair these baked scallops with pasta, steamed vegetables, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Storing Leftovers: place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating Tips: Reheat scallops gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

These garlic butter baked scallops are not just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrition:

  • High in Protein: Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These beneficial fats help promote heart health and decrease inflammation.
  • Low in Calories: Scallops are naturally low in calories, making this dish a healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.

FAQs

  1. Is it possible to substitute sea scallops with bay scallops?
    You can use bay scallops as an alternative; however, note that they are smaller and cook more quickly. Modify the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
  2. What if I don’t have white wine?
    You can substitute white wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a splash of lemon juice.
  3. Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
    It’s best to bake the scallops fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce and breadcrumb mixture ahead of time.
  4. How can I tell if the scallops are fully cooked?
    Scallops are cooked when they are opaque in the center and slightly firm to the touch. They should not be rubbery or too firm.
  5. Can I add other herbs or spices?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, dill, or chives, and spices like paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil.
  7. How do I get a crispier topping?
    Broil the scallops for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve a crisp, golden topping. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. What sides go well with this dish?
    Serve with rice, pasta, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad.
  9. Can I use frozen scallops?
    Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to ensure they cook properly.
  10. How do I prevent scallops from becoming rubbery?
    Avoid overcooking. Scallops cook quickly and should be removed from the oven as soon as they turn opaque and are firm to the touch.

Enjoy these delicious Garlic Butter Baked Scallops for a quick and elegant meal that’s sure to impress!

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