Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet weeknight dinner. Large sea scallops are baked in a delicious garlic butter sauce, topped with breadcrumbs for a light crunch, and finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also delivers a luxurious dining experience, especially when served with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the scallops’ natural sweetness.
A Luxurious and Flavorful Seafood Dish
These baked scallops are infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, creating a mouthwatering aroma and taste that seafood lovers will adore. Here’s how to make this delightful dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent the scallops from sticking.
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture over each scallop, making sure each one is well coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the scallops. This will provide a nice texture contrast to the soft and succulent scallops.
- Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and opaque. The breadcrumbs should turn golden brown, indicating they are nicely crisped.
- Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and immediately garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the garlic and butter.
- Serve the scallops hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing. The lemon juice will enhance the flavors and add a refreshing zest to the dish.
