Looking for a quick and elegant meal featuring tender scallops in a rich garlic butter sauce? Look no further than this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe. It’s a delightful dish with a golden breadcrumb topping that will impress your guests and family alike.
If you’re a seafood lover like me, you probably appreciate the delicate flavors of scallops. When they are baked in a garlic butter sauce, the end result is nothing short of heavenly. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite, making this dish a favorite for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
– Elegant and Quick: Elevate your dinner with minimal effort.
– Delicate and Flavorful: Delight your taste buds with tender scallops and a rich garlic butter sauce.
– Balanced Heat: Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
– Impressive Presentation: The golden breadcrumb topping adds a touch of sophistication to this simple recipe.
Ingredients
– Scallops: Use large sea scallops, cleaned and dried.
– Olive Oil: Enhances the flavors and prevents sticking.
– Butter: Unsalted butter for the rich garlic butter sauce.
– Garlic: Minced garlic provides a robust flavor.
– Lemon Juice: Adds a burst of freshness.
– Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a hint of heat.
– Parsley: Fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
– Panko Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese: For the crispy topping.
– Olive Oil: For mixing with breadcrumbs and cheese.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
– Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), and prepare a baking dish or skillet.
– Step 2: Prepare the Scallops: Season scallops with salt and pepper, then lay them in the dish.
– Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Drizzle over scallops.
– Step 4: Add the Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the scallops.
Storage Options
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the crispy topping. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the scallops may become rubbery upon thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
– Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
– Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest over the top for a citrusy twist.
– Extra Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends for the breadcrumb topping.
– Alternative Proteins: Try this recipe with shrimp or white fish for a different seafood option.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
– Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the scallops.
– Garlic Bread: Serve some warm, crusty garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
– Roasted Vegetables: Freshly roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make a nutritious accompaniment.
– White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine enhances the flavors of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe ? : Yes, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
– How do I know when the scallops are done ? : Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
– Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time ? : Yes, prepare the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.
– Can I substitute breadcrumbs with something else ? : Crushed crackers or even crushed nuts can be used as a crunchy topping.
After making these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, you can expect a flavorful and elegant dish that will delight your taste buds. The combination of tender scallops, rich buttery sauce, and crispy breadcrumb topping creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Your guests will be impressed by this restaurant-quality meal, and you’ll enjoy the ease and simplicity of preparing it at home.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1.5 lbs large sea scallops cleaned and dried
- olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp parsley fresh
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish or skillet.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper, place them in the dish.
- Combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley for the garlic butter sauce. Drizzle over scallops.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the scallops.