Description
Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that whispers coastal elegance. Golden-brown edges and rich butter sauce invite you to savor each delicate morsel with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) fresh scallops
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then infuse with minced garlic for approximately two minutes until aromatic.
- Carefully blot scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear.
- Arrange scallops in a single, uniform layer within the prepared baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Generously drizzle the warm garlic butter over the scallops, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Enhance flavor by sprinkling paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the scallops.
- Add brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the seasoned scallops and optionally scatter lemon zest for extra citrusy notes.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until scallops turn golden brown and become translucent.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add color and a subtle herbaceous touch.
- Serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the succulent, butter-infused scallops directly from the baking dish.
Notes
- Always pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
- Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen or previously thawed options when possible.
- Arrange scallops with space between each piece to allow even heat circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can make them soggy.
- Adjust baking time based on scallop size – smaller scallops need less time to prevent overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 29 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg