Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are like a warm hug from the ocean, bringing a delightful symphony of flavors right to your kitchen. Picture this: tender scallops nestled in a blanket of rich garlic butter, melting in your mouth with each bite. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your taste buds dance with anticipation.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
- How do I prepare the scallops for baking?
- Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
- What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
- Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops :
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Baked Scallops for a dinner party; my friends thought I had secretly hired a gourmet chef. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t that fancy. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can impress anyone! Whether it’s an ordinary Wednesday or a special occasion, these scallops are the perfect way to elevate your dining experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Each bite delivers an explosion of buttery garlic goodness that’s simply irresistible.
- Their elegant presentation makes them visually stunning for any dinner table setting.
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish, they fit any meal occasion beautifully.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Scallops: Look for plump, firm scallops with a slightly sweet scent; avoid any that smell fishy.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while enhancing the garlic flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves rather than pre-minced; fresh garlic adds unmatched depth to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully and balances the richness.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; it’s like confetti for your plate!
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
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. We want those scallops gliding out effortlessly!
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt about half a cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in minced garlic—about four cloves should do the trick! Sauté until fragrant but not browned, which takes about one minute.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will give our scallops that zesty kick we crave!
Step 4: Arrange Scallops
Place the fresh scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. You can be fancy here—like an artist arranging their masterpiece—or just throw them in haphazardly like I often do when I’m hungry.
Step 5: Drizzle with Garlic Butter
Pour that glorious garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each one is well-coated. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color—think of it as dressing up your seafood before its big moment!
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and tender. They should look invitingly golden on top.
Serving suggestion: Transfer those succulent scallops onto plates and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the baking dish for that extra touch of decadence! Enjoy them hot while reveling in their buttery goodness.
And there you have it! A simple yet sophisticated dish that turns any night into a special occasion. Don’t forget to take a moment after serving to bask in compliments; trust me, they will come pouring in!
You Must Know
- This amazing garlic butter baked scallops dish transcends mere flavor; it’s a showstopper at any dinner table.
- Great for impressing guests or indulging yourself on a cozy night in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms, prepare your garlic butter mixture and clean the scallops. Arrange them in a baking dish, pour over the buttery goodness, and then pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Voilà!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix things up! Add some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can even sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch or swap out scallops for shrimp or fish if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring they stay tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked scallops, ensure they are dry before cooking; moisture can prevent that lovely caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give each scallop some space to shine.
- Always trust your nose; when it smells divine, it’s probably done!
Sometimes I whip up this dish for friends, and their wide-eyed expressions make all the garlic-infused effort worthwhile. It’s fun to see them savor every bite while trying not to drool!
FAQs :
What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic butter baked scallops are a delicious seafood dish made by baking scallops in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This dish typically includes fresh scallops, garlic, and a mix of herbs or spices to enhance the flavor. The scallops are usually placed in a baking dish, topped with the garlic butter mixture, and baked until they become tender and slightly golden. chicken fajita bowl recipe It is an easy yet elegant recipe that can serve as an appetizer or main course.
How do I prepare the scallops for baking?
To prepare scallops for baking, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they bake evenly. If the scallops have a tough side muscle, remove it by gently pulling it off. Season the scallops with salt and pepper before placing them in your prepared baking dish. This simple preparation helps to enhance their natural flavor when mixed with the garlic butter sauce.
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 submerge them in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture during baking. Using properly thawed scallops ensures that they cook evenly and develop a lovely flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic butter baked scallops pair wonderfully with several side dishes. A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli offers a healthy option that complements the meal’s elegance. garlic butter chicken bites For something heartier, consider serving the scallops with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce. garlic parmesan grilled chicken These sides enhance your dining experience without overpowering the main dish.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops :
Garlic butter baked scallops are a delectable choice for seafood lovers seeking an easy yet impressive meal. This recipe highlights tender scallops enveloped in rich garlic butter, making it perfect for any occasion. Preparing and baking these scallops is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavor without stress. cheesy beef enchilada tortellini Pair them with your favorite sides to create a memorable dining experience that friends and family will love. Embrace this culinary delight and savor each bite of your homemade garlic butter baked scallops!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an elegant seafood delight that effortlessly combines simplicity with gourmet flair. Tender scallops bask in a luscious garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection for a golden finish. This dish is perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or treating yourself during cozy nights in. With minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering experience that highlights the rich flavors of the ocean.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh scallops
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Arrange scallops in the prepared baking dish and pour the garlic butter over them.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and bake for 15-20 minutes until scallops are opaque and golden.
- Serve hot, drizzled with remaining garlic butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound scallops (113g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
