Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops melt with rich Mediterranean flavors in this classic seafood dish. Delicate shellfish bathe in herbed butter, promising restaurant-quality elegance you can easily craft at home.
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)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheating Preparation: Activate the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a ceramic or glass baking dish with a light butter coating or cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
- Garlic Butter Fusion: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian herbs, and paprika in a mixing bowl, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify into a robust sauce.
- Scallop Arrangement and Seasoning: Distribute scallops in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring adequate spacing. Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sauce Coating and Breadcrumb Topping: Generously drench scallops with the garlic butter mixture, then create a crisp exterior by evenly sprinkling a blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Culinary Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until scallops become translucent and tender. Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges to elevate the seafood’s delicate flavor profile and provide a bright, citrusy complement.
Notes
- Select Premium Scallops: Choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops with a firm, translucent appearance and minimal moisture to prevent watery cooking and ensure perfect caramelization.
- Prevent Overcooking: Watch scallops closely during baking; they become rubbery and tough when cooked beyond 15 minutes, so aim for a translucent center with golden exterior for optimal texture and tenderness.
- Master Breadcrumb Technique: Lightly toast panko breadcrumbs before adding to create extra crispiness, and mix with Parmesan to enhance both flavor and golden-brown crunch on top of the scallops.
- Temperature Control Matters: Allow scallops to reach room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven heat distribution that could compromise the delicate protein’s texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg