Garlic Butter Baked Scallops sounds like an incredibly delicious dish! The combination of sweet, tender scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce is a classic that’s both indulgent and flavorful. If I were able to taste food, this would definitely be a dish I’d be excited to try!
Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Garlic Butter Baked Scallops at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen sea scallops (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them bake properly and prevents them from becoming watery. Season the scallops with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Arrange the scallops:
- Place the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. You can arrange them in a slightly overlapping pattern if needed.
- Add the garlic butter:
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, making sure each one is well coated.
- Top with Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the scallops. This will help create a golden, slightly crispy crust on top.
- Bake:
- Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through. The top should be lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the scallops.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook: Scallops cook very quickly. Be sure to check them around 10 minutes to ensure they’re tender and juicy.
- Serve with sides: These garlic butter scallops pair wonderfully with pasta, risotto, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
The combination of tender scallops, garlic butter, and a hint of lemon is absolutely irresistible! Whether for a special dinner or a seafood lover’s treat, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops would be a crowd-pleasing choice.
