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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an elegant yet simple seafood dish that transforms tender scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick recipe highlights the natural sweetness of scallops enhanced by garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and lemon, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s flavorful, healthy, and versatile, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 fresh dry-packed scallops (about 1 pound)
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Scallops: Rinse your scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing all excess moisture is key to getting a perfect sear and preventing steaming.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter.
  3. Arrange Scallops in Baking Dish: Place the scallops in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish. Season each scallop with salt and pepper, then evenly drizzle the prepared garlic butter over them.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the scallops. If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy, golden crust once baked.
  5. Bake Until Perfect: Bake the scallops in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly golden on top. Be careful not to overcook to keep them tender and juicy.
  6. Add Lemon Juice Just Before Serving: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the baked scallops right before serving to enhance the bright citrus flavor.

Notes

  • Use dry-packed scallops to avoid excess moisture that can affect cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the scallops; give them space in the baking dish for even cooking.
  • Melt butter gently to preserve the delicate garlic flavor and avoid burning.
  • Check scallops at around 10 minutes baking time to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
  • Adding lemon juice at the end keeps citrus notes fresh and vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter scallops, baked scallops, seafood appetizer, easy scallops recipe, gluten free seafood

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/garlic-butter-baked-scallops/