Garlic butter baked scallops are a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine tender, succulent scallops bathed in rich, aromatic garlic butter, each bite melting into a symphony of flavor that tantalizes your palate. The moment you pull them from the oven, the irresistible scent will have everyone gathering around, eager to indulge in this luxurious dish.
Growing up, my family often gathered for Friday night dinners where seafood made its glorious appearance. These nights were filled with laughter, tales of the week, and plates brimming with deliciousness. I distinctly remember my grandma whipping up her famous garlic butter baked scallops—an experience that felt like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a celebratory feast, these scallops perfectly fit every occasion and promise an unforgettable flavor explosion. For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dishes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The combination of garlic and butter creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible
- Visually stunning with their golden-brown tops, these scallops shine on any table
- They’re incredibly versatile too; serve them as an appetizer or main course with your favorite sides
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Scallops: Look for fresh sea scallops; they should be plump and slightly opaque for the best flavor.
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Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the dish; using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
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Fresh Garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact; it’s way better than powdered!
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
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Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in this delightful dish.
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
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for it to heat up, grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear later on. Place them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute should do it! Stir in lemon juice along with salt and pepper for that perfect zing.
Step 4: Drizzle with Flavor
Pour the glorious garlic butter mixture over the scallops evenly. Make sure every little morsel gets coated because we want all that buttery goodness!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for an added pop of color. Transfer to plates and enjoy immediately while they’re still warm!
Now you’ve got yourself a plateful of heavenly garlic butter baked scallops! Serve them alongside some crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for an extra treat. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter baked scallops are a delightful dish that can transform any meal into an elegant dining experience
- Their simple preparation and rich flavors make them a must-try for seafood lovers
- Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner, these scallops will impress everyone at the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the garlic butter mixture. Sear the scallops in a hot skillet before transferring them to the oven to bake, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and deliciously tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. You can also swap out lemon juice for lime or add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter baked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use a low oven temperature to avoid overcooking, keeping them tender and flavorful. For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect garlic butter baked scallops, make sure they are patted dry before cooking to achieve that golden sear
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
- And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan while searing to ensure even cooking!
Garlic butter baked scallops hold a special place in my heart; I once made them for my parents’ anniversary. The joy on their faces as they savored each bite was priceless, and we still laugh about how I almost set off the smoke alarm!
FAQs :
What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delightful seafood dish that features tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish combines the natural sweetness of scallops with the savory flavors of garlic and butter, creating a mouthwatering experience. The scallops are typically seasoned, placed in a baking dish, and then generously covered with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs before being baked to perfection.
How long do I bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
For perfect Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them for about 12-15 minutes. The cooking time can vary based on the size of the scallops. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops; however, it’s essential to thaw them properly before cooking. Place the frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until defrosted. Proper thawing ensures even cooking and helps maintain the scallop’s texture.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair beautifully with light side dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy risotto to complete your meal. For a comforting touch, crusty bread works well for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops :
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an exquisite dish that showcases the delicate flavor of scallops enhanced by buttery garlic goodness. With easy preparation and quick baking time, this recipe makes for an ideal appetizer or main course for any occasion. Serve it alongside your favorite sides to create a memorable dining experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your palate. Enjoy these succulent bites of seafood bliss!
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic butter baked scallops are a sumptuous seafood delight that combines tender, juicy scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce. This elegant dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a festive celebration. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this recipe will leave your guests raving about the incredible flavors. Serve it as an appetizer or main course, and watch everyone savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh sea scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Rinse scallops under cold water and pat dry. Arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until scallops are opaque and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb (113g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
