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- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced These main ingredients create a rich and savory base. The sea scallops should be fresh and firm. The unsalted butter adds creaminess, while fresh garlic gives a bold flavor. - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - ½ teaspoon paprika These enhancers brighten the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon zest and juice provide a tangy kick. Paprika gives warmth and a hint of smokiness. - ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch) - Salt and pepper to taste Panko breadcrumbs add great texture. They create a delightful crunch on top. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for flavor balance. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Start by cleaning your scallops. Rinse them under cold water to remove any grit. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear. If they are wet, they won't cook evenly. Next, make sure all the scallops are similar in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. You want them to be about the same thickness. If any scallops are too thick, cut them slightly to match the others. In a small bowl, mix four tablespoons of melted butter with four cloves of minced garlic. Add one tablespoon of chopped parsley, one teaspoon of lemon zest, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. This blend creates a rich flavor. Fresh garlic is very important here. It gives a strong, bold taste. Avoid using garlic powder, as it lacks the same zing. Take a lightly greased baking dish and arrange your scallops in a single layer. Space them out so each has room to cook properly. This way, they will not steam and will gain a nice texture. Spoon your garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop. Make sure they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle half a cup of panko breadcrumbs on top. This adds a delightful crunch. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You'll know they are done when they turn opaque and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Take them out and let them cool a bit before serving. For the full recipe, check the details above. When buying scallops, look for ones that smell fresh, like the ocean. They should have a firm texture and a slight sheen. Avoid scallops that smell fishy or have a dull appearance. Sea scallops are larger and meatier than bay scallops, making them ideal for this dish. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter but may lack the same texture. Both can work, but I prefer sea scallops for their size and flavor. Adjust the seasonings to match your taste. If you love garlic, add more minced cloves. You can also balance the flavor with a pinch of salt and pepper. For a twist, try infusing other herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just chop them finely and mix them into the garlic butter. This adds depth and fun flavors to your scallops. To avoid overcooking scallops, keep an eye on them as they bake. They cook quickly, usually in 12 to 15 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when done. For a perfect golden breadcrumb topping, use panko breadcrumbs. They crisp up nicely in the oven. You can drizzle more garlic butter over the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crunch. {{image_2}} You can mix up the taste of your garlic butter baked scallops in fun ways. One easy way is by adding cheese. Parmesan gives a rich, salty kick. Feta adds a tangy twist. Both options melt beautifully over the scallops. Herbs can change the whole dish. Try dill for a fresh, bright flavor. Basil adds a sweet touch. You can sprinkle these herbs on top before baking. They will infuse the scallops with their unique tastes. Do you follow a keto diet? You can still enjoy this dish. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps it low in carbs. You can also add more cheese for extra flavor and richness. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well. Many brands offer tasty choices that fit your needs. You won’t lose any crunch or taste! When serving garlic butter baked scallops, think about side dishes. A light salad pairs nicely. You can also serve roasted vegetables for a healthy option. Both choices balance the richness of the scallops. For a special touch, create a seafood platter. Add shrimp, crab, or mussels. This makes the dish feel fancy and fun. Your guests will love the variety and flavors! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy the cooking! To store baked scallops in the fridge, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. Wrap the scallops tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating baked scallops, you must be gentle. The oven is the best method. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the scallops on a baking tray, cover them with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them moist. If you use a microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check after each burst to avoid drying them out. To keep scallops fresh before cooking, buy them the day you plan to use them. Store them in the coldest part of your fridge. Place them on ice or in a bowl covered with a damp cloth. For garlic and herbs, store them in a cool, dark place. Keep garlic in a breathable bag or basket. Fresh herbs do best in the fridge in a glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. This helps them stay fresh longer. You can tell when scallops are cooked by their color and texture. Perfectly cooked scallops turn opaque and firm. They should feel slightly springy when you touch them. If they are still translucent, they need more time. Keep an eye on the edges; they should not be rubbery. Cooking time is usually around 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture, so check them closely. Yes, you can use frozen scallops! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can put them in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve that lovely sear and flavor in your garlic butter baked scallops. Garlic butter baked scallops pair well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas: - Garlic bread: A perfect match to soak up the buttery sauce. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. - Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish well. - Rice or quinoa: Simple grains balance the rich flavors of the scallops. - Creamy pasta: A light pasta can make for a satisfying meal. Feel free to mix and match these sides. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Garlic butter baked scallops are simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients like scallops, garlic, and butter, plus flavor boosters. I shared steps to prep and bake, ensuring perfect results. Tips on choosing scallops and baking techniques can help you excel. In the end, you can enjoy these scallops in many ways. Whether with a fresh salad or a seafood platter, the options are endless. Experiment with flavors and make this dish your own! Enjoy your cooking!

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Indulge in the flavors of the sea with these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops! This easy recipe combines tender scallops with a rich garlic butter mixture and a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect appetizer or meal. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your guests with a dish that's both simple and sophisticated. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dining experience tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a delicious garlic butter mixture.

      Arrange the scallops in a single layer on a lightly greased baking dish. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.

        Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring they are nicely coated.

          Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the scallops for a delightful crunch. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4