Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

The moment you pop open a bottle of white wine and let the aroma of garlic butter waft towards you, it’s like an invitation to a culinary party where scallops are the star performers. Picture plump, tender morsels of seafood bathed in golden garlic butter that dances with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops bring an elegant touch to any dinner table while still feeling cozy enough for a casual family gathering.

I remember the first time I tried making these beauties. It was a rainy Tuesday night when I decided to unleash my inner chef. With a glass of wine in hand and the kitchen smelling divine, I realized this dish is not just food; it’s an experience! From romantic dinners to festive gatherings, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops will make any occasion feel special. For more inspiration, check out this main dish ideas recipe.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Scallops: Look for large sea scallops for the best texture and flavor; they should be fresh and firm.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves over powdered garlic; nothing beats that aromatic punch!

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness to balance the rich flavors of butter.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also provides a fresh herbal note that complements seafood perfectly.

For seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all flavors; season to taste for the best results.

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). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Arrange the Scallops

Place your scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle half of your garlic butter mixture over them, ensuring each scallop gets a good coating.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the scallops in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until they are opaque and slightly firm to touch. Keep an eye on them; overcooking can turn them rubbery!

Step 5: Garnish

Once baked, remove from oven and drizzle with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for that pop of color.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer scallops onto plates or serve directly from the baking dish. For an extra touch, serve them alongside crusty bread or pasta drizzled with olive oil.

And voilà! You have transformed simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that will have everyone singing your praises (and maybe even begging for seconds!). Enjoy every buttery bite of these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – they’re worth every moment spent in the kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, melt the garlic butter and prepare the scallops by patting them dry. Then, arrange them in a baking dish and pour the buttery goodness over them for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also swap out regular butter for lemon-infused butter for a zesty twist. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs adds a crunchy topping if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place the scallops back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, making sure not to overcook them.

When I first made Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, my friends declared it a “little slice of heaven.” Their reactions were priceless, from wide-eyed astonishment to audible gasps—definitely a hit at dinner parties!

FAQs

What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious seafood dish featuring fresh scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is typically made by combining melted butter with minced garlic, herbs, and sometimes lemon juice, creating a savory base that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. The scallops are placed in a baking dish, coated with the garlic butter mixture, and then baked until tender and slightly golden. This recipe is both simple and elegant, making it perfect for special occasions or an ordinary weeknight meal. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.

How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Preparing Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is quick and easy. From start to finish, the entire process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Prepping the ingredients usually requires around 10 minutes, including cleaning and seasoning the scallops. Once you have everything ready, baking them typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal dish for those who want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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. To do this, place the frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until fully defrosted. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they bake evenly. Using fresh or high-quality frozen scallops will yield excellent results in this flavorful recipe.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair wonderfully with various sides that complement their rich flavor. Some popular options include a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, and creamy risotto or mashed potatoes. Additionally, crusty bread can be served on the side to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce. These sides enhance your meal without overpowering the delicate taste of the scallops.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops offer a delightful blend of flavors that elevate any dining experience. With minimal preparation time and straightforward steps, this recipe suits both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The combination of sweet scallops and savory garlic butter creates an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best results and pair your scallops with complementary sides like salad or roasted vegetables to enhance your meal even further. Enjoy this culinary treat that brings restaurant-quality dining right into your home!

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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delightful seafood dish that elevates any dining experience. Featuring tender, juicy scallops enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is both elegant and easy to prepare. With hints of fresh herbs and zesty lemon, each bite promises a burst of flavor that will impress your guests or make any family dinner feel special. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gourmet meal transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large sea scallops
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the scallops in the baking dish in a single layer and drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over them.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until scallops are opaque and slightly firm.
5. Drizzle remaining garlic butter on top and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 scallops (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh thyme or swapping regular butter for lemon-infused butter. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs can add a crunchy topping for extra texture.