Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Dive into the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops!  These tender, succulent scallops are baked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs, making them an irresistible seafood delicacy!

Ingredients:

For the Scallops:

• 1 lb sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works well for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Prepare the Scallops:
   • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
   • If using, pour the white wine into the bottom of the baking dish for added flavor.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
   • Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops in the baking dish, ensuring they are coated well.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.
5. Bake the Scallops:
   • Bake the scallops for 12-15 minutes, or until they are firm, opaque, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 125°F to 130°F).
   • For a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
   • Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Conclusion:

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a quick baking time, they’re the perfect appetizer or main course for any seafood lover. Serve them at your next dinner party or enjoy a gourmet meal at home — either way, these scallops are bound to impress!