If you love seafood, you need to try my Garlic Butter Baked Scallops. This dish is rich, easy to make, and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy tender scallops swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or fancy gathering, this recipe will impress anyone. Dive into this savory delight, and I’ll guide you through each step, from prep to plate. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make garlic butter baked scallops, gather these fresh and simple ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh scallops, cleaned
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
– Scallops: Fresh is best, but frozen can work if thawed properly.
– Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over salt levels.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor. Garlic powder is a quick substitute, but fresh is better.
– Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Bottled juice is fine in a pinch.
– Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Dried parsley can substitute, but use less.
– Paprika: Sweet paprika adds a mild flavor. Smoked paprika gives a nice twist.
– Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs make the topping crispier. Regular breadcrumbs can replace them.
– Lemon Wedges: Fresh wedges help balance the richness of butter and scallops.
Nutritional Information of Ingredients
Each ingredient brings its own nutrition:
– Scallops: Low in fat and high in protein. They provide omega-3 fatty acids.
– Butter: Adds richness and flavor but is high in calories and fat.
– Garlic: Contains antioxidants and supports heart health.
– Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C and brightens flavors.
– Parsley: Offers vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron.
– Paprika: Contains antioxidants and can enhance metabolism.
– Breadcrumbs: Add crunch but also increase carbs and calories.
– Lemon Wedges: Fresh and zesty, they add minimal calories.
Understanding these ingredients helps you appreciate the dish even more. You can find the full recipe linked here for more detailed steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps Overview
Let’s get ready to make garlic butter baked scallops! First, gather all your ingredients. You will need fresh scallops, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creates a delicious garlic butter sauce.
3. Place the cleaned scallops in the greased baking dish. Make sure they sit in a single layer for even cooking.
4. Pour half of the garlic butter sauce over the scallops. Coat each scallop well for maximum flavor.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the scallops. Then, drizzle the rest of the garlic butter sauce on top to moisten the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The scallops should be cooked through and the topping golden brown.
7. Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges. You can squeeze the lemon over the scallops for added zest.
Visual Presentation Tips
To make your dish look stunning, consider using a white plate. This contrast will highlight the golden brown topping. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Arrange the lemon wedges neatly around the scallops. This will catch the eye and make your meal look gourmet. For more details, check the full recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Scallops
To cook scallops well, start with fresh ones. Look for scallops that smell like the sea. They should feel firm and not slimy. Before cooking, dry them with a paper towel. This step helps them brown nicely. Use a hot oven, around 400°F (200°C). This high heat gives the scallops a nice crust. Pour half of your garlic butter sauce over them before baking. This adds flavor right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the scallops. They cook fast, so watch the time. Bake for just 12-15 minutes. If they get too dry, they will lose flavor. Another mistake is not using enough sauce. The garlic butter keeps them moist and tasty. Don’t forget to coat them well with breadcrumbs. This gives a good crunch on top.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Serve your scallops hot. They go well with lemon wedges to squeeze on top. Pair them with a light salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve them over pasta or risotto. This adds some heartiness to your meal. For a fun touch, sprinkle extra parsley on top. This makes your dish look bright and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the details above!
Variations
Flavor Enhancements (Herbs and Spices)
You can change the flavor of garlic butter baked scallops by adding herbs or spices. Fresh thyme gives a bright touch. Dill adds a nice, fresh taste. You might try crushed red pepper for heat. Just mix these into your garlic butter sauce before pouring it over the scallops. This small step can make a big difference.
Alternative Cooking Methods (Grilling, Broiling)
While baking is easy, you can also grill or broil scallops. Grilling gives them a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the scallops on skewers for easy cooking. Broiling is quick and keeps them juicy. Set your oven to broil. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, watching closely. Both methods work well with the same garlic butter sauce.
Creative Serving Options (With Pasta, Risotto)
Garlic butter baked scallops shine when served with pasta or risotto. Toss the scallops with a light pasta dish for a tasty meal. Consider a lemon garlic pasta for bright flavors. If you prefer risotto, serve the scallops on top of creamy risotto. This adds a rich base that pairs with the scallops perfectly. You can find the full recipe to explore these ideas further.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your garlic butter baked scallops, let any leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor
To reheat your scallops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. Avoid the microwave if possible. It can make scallops rubbery.
Freezing Guidelines for Future Use
If you want to freeze your garlic butter baked scallops, follow these steps. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. These scallops can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best taste, use the full recipe before freezing.
FAQs
How long to bake scallops?
You should bake scallops for about 12-15 minutes. Bake them at 400°F (200°C). They are done when they turn opaque and firm. The topping should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
What can I serve with garlic butter baked scallops?
Garlic butter baked scallops pair well with many sides. You can serve them with pasta or rice for a hearty meal. Fresh veggies or a green salad also work great. For a special touch, add some crusty bread to soak up that tasty garlic butter sauce. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions!
You learned how to make garlic butter baked scallops with the right ingredients, steps, and tips. I shared how to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. We also explored creative ways to serve and store leftovers.
Cooking scallops can be simple and fun. With practice, you’ll impress your guests. Enjoy your culinary journey and feel free to experiment with new flavors!
