Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are like a warm hug on a chilly evening, where silky scallops meet a luscious garlic butter sauce that makes your taste buds dance. Picture this: tender scallops glistening under a golden-brown crust, infused with the aromatic goodness of garlic and herbs. It’s an experience that goes beyond just eating; it’s like attending a culinary concert in your mouth. You can almost hear the “oohs” and “aahs” from your dinner guests as they take their first bites. For more inspiration, check out this Explore Main Dishes recipe.

Now, let me take you back to a delightful summer evening when I first discovered the magic of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops. Picture me, in my kitchen, wearing an apron that read “Queen of the Kitchen”—a title I was still trying to earn. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything, and I had friends coming over for dinner. The air was thick with anticipation, and as I pulled these beauties out of the oven, their aroma wafted through the house like an invitation to feast. You could say it was love at first bite!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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

• Fresh Scallops: Look for plump, sweet scallops that are firm to the touch; they should smell like the ocean.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while enhancing the flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they add robust flavor that complements the scallops perfectly.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness—feel free to substitute with other herbs if you prefer.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter.

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 that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so those scallops don’t stick like an uninvited guest at a party.

Step 2: Prepare Your Scallops

Pat dry your fresh scallops using paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming in their own juices—no one wants soggy scallops!

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant but not burnt—nobody likes burnt garlic unless you’re trying to summon a ghost.

Step 4: Assemble It All Together

Arrange your dried scallops in the baking dish and pour that glorious garlic butter mixture over them. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top like it’s confetti at a celebration—you’re celebrating good food after all!

Step 5: Bake Those Bad Boys

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the scallops are opaque and slightly browned on top—golden brown is how we roll!

Step 6: Serve With Style

Transfer those baked scallops onto plates with some of that yummy sauce drizzled over them for an elegant touch. Add lemon wedges on the side because life is too short not to be zesty!

And voila! You have made Garlic Butter Baked Scallops that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dine at your table. Who knew such elegance could come from your very own kitchen? Now go forth and conquer that culinary world!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly baked scallops, start by preheating your oven while prepping the garlic butter sauce. Sear the scallops in a hot skillet for a minute before transferring them to the oven for baking. This ensures they are juicy yet have that irresistible golden crust.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix things up! Add herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness, or try a splash of lemon juice for zing. You can also swap out traditional butter for olive oil to give it a Mediterranean twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they don’t overcook.

There’s nothing quite like hearing friends rave about your cooking skills after serving these delectable Garlic Butter Baked Scallops at a dinner party! Their reactions made all the late-night recipe testing worth it. For more inspiration, check out this Helpful Cooking Tips recipe.

FAQs :

What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delightful seafood dish made by baking fresh scallops in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of scallops, elevating their flavor with a blend of garlic, herbs, and butter. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

How long should I bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

For best results, you should bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when done. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, but it’s crucial to thaw them properly before cooking. Place the scallops in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. Ensure they are thoroughly dried to achieve that desired golden crust when baked.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair beautifully with sides like garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them over pasta or rice to create a complete meal. A light white wine complements this dish well, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops :

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops offer a delicious way to enjoy seafood at home. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or family members. Remember to bake until just opaque and serve with complementary sides for the best experience. Enjoy creating this delightful dish that highlights the flavors of fresh scallops while indulging in rich garlic butter goodness!

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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious seafood dish that combines tender scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe features simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. With a golden-brown crust and aromatic flavors, these scallops are sure to delight everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh scallops
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Pat dry the scallops with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
4. Arrange the scallops in the baking dish, pour the garlic butter over them, and sprinkle with parsley.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the scallops are opaque and lightly browned.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 scallops (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, sear the scallops in a hot skillet for 1 minute before baking. - Experiment with herbs such as thyme or basil for a different twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; reheat gently in the oven.