Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the delicate flavor of scallops, making it perfect for special occasions or a delightful seafood dinner at home.

The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and buttery goodness enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, resulting in a rich and savory dish that is sure to impress. With minimal preparation and quick baking, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to execute, making it accessible for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.

Serve these tender, flavorful scallops hot from the oven with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy a taste of the ocean that brings sophistication to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is sure to be a favorite for several enticing reasons, making it a standout dish for seafood lovers. Here’s why people will love this recipe:

Deliciously Rich Flavor

The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon juice creates a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the scallops. This harmonious blend elevates the dish, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Quick and Easy Preparation

With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. The quick cooking time allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Impressive Presentation

Baked scallops have an elegant appearance that makes them perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. Their beautiful golden color and inviting aroma will impress guests and create a sophisticated dining experience.

Healthy and Nutritious

Scallops are a lean source of protein and are low in calories, making this dish a healthy option for those looking to enjoy seafood. Packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals, this recipe offers both health benefits and great taste.

Versatile Serving Options

This dish can be served in various ways, whether as an appetizer or a main course. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, serve it over a bed of pasta, or include it as part of a seafood platter. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of occasions, from casual dinners to elegant celebrations.

Key Ingredients:

Medium Scallops: The star ingredient, these tender and sweet seafood delights are the focal point of the dish, providing a rich and delicate flavor that shines through in each bite.

Salted Butter: This ingredient adds richness and depth to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the scallops while creating a luscious, buttery sauce.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeezing lemon juice over the scallops brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the butter and enhances the overall taste.

Garlic Powder: This ingredient infuses the dish with aromatic garlic flavor, enhancing the savory profile of the scallops and complementing the butter.

Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color to the dish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of the baked scallops.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that help to enhance and balance the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring that the dish is well-seasoned and delicious.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Ingredients

12 medium scallops (clean and dry)

2 tablespoons salted butter

Juice of half a lemon

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Garlic powder (to taste)

Sweet paprika (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Arrange the Scallops

Place the cleaned scallops evenly in an oven-safe casserole dish.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon evenly over the scallops to enhance their flavor.

Step 4: Season the Scallops

Season the scallops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika according to your preference.

Step 5: Add Butter

Cut the salted butter into small chunks and distribute them evenly around the scallops in the dish.

Step 6: Bake the Scallops

Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. After this time, carefully flip the scallops.

Step 7: Re-Season and Continue Baking

Once flipped, season the scallops again with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, if desired.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 9 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the baked scallops immediately while hot, and enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes:

Choosing Fresh Scallops:

When selecting scallops, look for ones that are firm, slightly translucent, and have a mild, ocean-like smell. Avoid scallops that smell overly fishy or have a slimy texture.

Cleaning the Scallops:

Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps remove any sand or grit and ensures they will sear properly without excess moisture.

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Roasting Poblano Peppers:

For added flavor, consider roasting the poblano peppers before adding them to the dish. This can enhance the depth of flavor and add a smoky note to the scallops.

Butter Temperature:

Ensure the butter is at room temperature before using it. This allows it to melt evenly and mix well with the garlic and scallops, creating a smooth sauce.

Baking Time:

Keep a close eye on the scallops while baking. They cook quickly, and overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. The scallops are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping, over a bed of pasta, or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.

Adjusting Flavors:

Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, salt, and paprika to suit your taste preferences. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish.

Garnishing:

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving for added color and freshness. A squeeze of extra lemon juice can also enhance the flavors just before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing.

Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure they cook properly and achieve a nice sear.

How do I know when the scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are fully cooked when they are opaque and firm to the touch.

They typically take about 10-15 minutes to cook in the oven.

If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

What can I substitute for butter if I want a healthier option?

If you prefer a healthier alternative to butter, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

This will still provide a rich flavor while reducing saturated fat content.

Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly with these substitutes.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like chopped herbs (such as parsley or thyme), lemon zest, or even breadcrumbs on top for added texture. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you enjoy!

How should I store leftovers?

To store leftover baked scallops, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They can be stored for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the scallops to become tough.

How do I clean and prepare the scallops?

To clean the scallops, rinse them under cold water to remove any sand or grit.

Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are moisture-free, which helps achieve a nice sear during cooking.

Make sure to remove the side muscle, which is a small rectangular piece on the side of the scallop, if it’s still attached.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

While this recipe does not include cheese, if you’d like to add cheese for extra flavor, consider using a mild cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Gruyère.

You can sprinkle some cheese on top of the scallops during the last few minutes of baking to create a delicious cheesy crust.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.

Generally, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to one clove of garlic.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preference, but fresh garlic will provide the best flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best to cook scallops just before serving for optimal flavor and texture, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and clean the scallops in advance.

Store the scallops in the refrigerator and the garlic butter mixture in a separate container until you’re ready to cook.

Assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

You can also serve them over a bed of pasta or risotto to create a more substantial meal.