Succulent, juicy scallops bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, bubbling away in the oven—it’s a culinary dream come true. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the epitome of indulgence, offering an enticing blend of flavors that dance on your palate and leave you craving more. Picture this: golden scallops nestled in a pool of velvety garlic butter, kissed by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. They emerge from the oven with a tantalizing aroma that fills your home, beckoning everyone to gather around the table.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory waiting to happen. I still remember the first time I attempted Garlic Butter Baked Scallops. It was a dinner party, and I was determined to impress my guests with something fancy yet simple. As I pulled those scallops from the oven, their buttery goodness wafted through the air, and suddenly, all my guests became seafood lovers! Ideal for special occasions or cozy weeknights, this dish promises to elevate any meal into an unforgettable feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these scallops perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike
- Their rich flavor profile blends buttery goodness with fresh herbs and citrus notes
- Visually stunning and elegant, they are sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough for a romantic dinner or festive holiday celebrations, they fit any occasion perfectly
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Scallops: Look for plump, firm scallops that have a sweet aroma; avoid any that smell fishy.
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for controlling salt levels and allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic for maximum flavor; fresh garlic elevates this dish tremendously.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color; don’t skip it!
For seasoning:
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want those scallops to cook evenly without turning rubbery.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or some melted butter. This little touch ensures those delicious scallops won’t stick!
Step 3: Make That Mouthwatering Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed—the smell alone will have you drooling!
Step 4: Arrange Your Scallops
Place the fresh scallops in your prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle your luxurious garlic butter mixture over them generously because who doesn’t love extra flavor?
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them—overcooked scallops are like sad little hockey pucks.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Gently transfer your baked scallops onto plates, making sure to spoon some of that glorious garlic butter from the baking dish over each serving. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for that zingy finish!
Now gather your loved ones around as you serve these heavenly Garlic Butter Baked Scallops—they’re bound to become the star of any meal!
You Must Know
- This delicious garlic butter baked scallops recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also perfect for impressing guests
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- Ideal for special occasions, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate garlic butter baked scallops, start by preheating your oven and preparing the scallops. Sear them briefly in a hot pan to lock in flavor, then finish baking with that heavenly garlic butter topping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your garlic butter baked scallops! Swap fresh herbs for dried ones, add a sprinkle of lemon zest, or toss in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter baked scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking and drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender scallops, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing
- Letting them breathe ensures they caramelize beautifully
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor impact
- Lastly, keep an eye on cooking time; scallops cook quickly!
It was a cozy Saturday evening when I decided to impress my friends with these garlic butter baked scallops. The compliments just kept pouring in, and one friend even declared it “better than a five-star restaurant!” Who knew?
FAQs:
What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious seafood dish that features tender scallops baked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The scallops are typically seasoned with garlic, herbs, and butter before being baked until they are perfectly cooked. This dish showcases the natural sweetness of the scallops, enhanced by the savory garlic butter.
How do you prepare scallops for baking?
To prepare scallops for baking, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Next, remove the side muscle if it hasn’t been taken off already. This small piece can be tough and chewy. Finally, season your scallops with salt and pepper before adding them to your garlic butter mixture for baking.
What is the best way to serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are best served hot right out of the oven. You can pair them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce or serve them over a bed of pasta or rice for a more substantial meal. A fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables also complements this dish well, adding freshness and color to your plate. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture during cooking. This ensures that your baked scallops achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops:
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an exquisite dish that combines simplicity with rich flavor. By using fresh ingredients like garlic and butter, you enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops while achieving a delightful texture. Whether enjoyed as an elegant appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. With easy preparation and quick cooking time, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops should definitely find their way into your meal rotation! For more inspiration, check out this main dish ideas recipe.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an indulgent seafood dish that brings the ocean’s flavors right to your table. Tender, juicy scallops are enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, accented with fresh herbs and a zesty hint of lemon. This quick and straightforward recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner. With their enticing aroma and luxurious taste, these scallops will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or melted butter.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Arrange scallops in the baking dish in a single layer and drizzle the garlic butter mixture over them generously.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for added zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ pound (113g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
