Description
Delicious and buttery baked sea scallops infused with garlic and lemon, topped with fresh parsley and a hint of paprika. This quick and easy seafood dish delivers tender, flavorful scallops perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 1 lb fresh large sea scallops
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish or mixing with butter)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or some of the garlic butter mixture to prevent scallops from sticking.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and fresh lemon juice. For extra richness, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil.
- Season the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and bake. Place them in the greased baking dish and season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of paprika for color and flavor.
- Add the Garlic Butter: Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring they are well coated to maximize flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of your scallops. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid overcooking, as overbaked scallops become tough. They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when done.
- Add Optional Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops before baking or immediately after for a cheesy crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not overcook scallops to prevent toughness; watch them closely in the last few minutes.
- Using half butter and half olive oil in the garlic butter mixture adds a richer flavor.
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious savory crust if sprinkled before baking.
- Patting scallops dry before cooking ensures a better texture and nicer browning.
- Serve scallops immediately after baking for optimal tenderness and flavor.
