What are baked scallops? What are some of the best appetizers you can cook at home in under 20 minutes? If you love shrimp scampi, you’re going to absolutely adore these. Imagine sweet, tender scallops swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce, baked to golden brown. Is it a flavor explosion? I swear, I make these more often than I care to admit. My husband begs for them, and I’m never one to argue with a happy husband, especially when it’s difficult. What makes a dish so delicious and quick? Plus, these perfectly baked scallops are naturally elegant, making them ideal for a weeknight treat. What are some good appetizers for a special occasion?
What is garlic butter baked scallops?
What do garlic butter baked scallops taste like? What are the benefits of garlic butter? Think of it as individual scallop “pots” of pure deliciousness. The scallops are nestled in a rich sauce, typically flavored with garlic, herbs, and sometimes smoked. The sauce is served with roasted peppers. A touch of white wine or lemon juice. What is the recipe for scallops Au Gratin? What is a breadcrumb They’re baked until the scallops are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden. Is it a simple concept, but the flavor is out of this world? I love using sea scallops for this dish – they have the best texture and flavor.
Why you will love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? What I love most about this recipe is that it’s ridiculously easy. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 20 minutes, max! Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something a little bit fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
* **Flavor:** The combination of sweet scallops, savory garlic, and rich butter is just divine. It’s a flavor profile that everyone seems to love, even my pickiest eaters. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens everything up perfectly.
* **Simplicity:** Honestly, it’s almost embarrassing how easy this is. You’re basically melting butter, adding some garlic and herbs, and then baking the scallops. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
* **Cost-Efficiency:** Scallops can be pricey, but you don’t need a ton to make this dish satisfying. Plus, a little goes a long way when they’re swimming in that delicious garlic butter sauce. I often buy frozen scallops to keep the cost down, and they work perfectly well! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking.
* **Versatility:** You can serve these baked scallops as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a main course with a side of pasta or crusty bread. They’re also incredibly adaptable to different diets – easily made gluten-free or dairy-free with a few simple swaps.
If you’re a fan of easy seafood recipes like my Lemon Herb Baked Cod or Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with these garlic butter baked scallops. They’re the perfect way to impress your guests (or just treat yourself) without breaking a sweat!
How do I make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Quick Overview
What are some easy recipes to make? I like to bake scallops in a ramekin. Then, you’ll arrange them in an oven-safe dish and pour the garlic. Butter over them. What’s a quick bake in the oven? What are some good ways to cook scallops in a bubbly sauce? What is the best way to cook scallops? Overcooked scallops are rubbery and not very enjoyable. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Ingredients
How do I make garlic butter sauce?
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* I always use good quality butter for this – it makes a big difference in flavor. *
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* *Don’t skimp on garlic! It’s the star of the show. *
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* *Fresh parsley is best, but you can use dried in a pinch (about 1 tablespoon). *
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
I love the earthy flavor of thyme with scallops, but you can substitute with oregano or basil. * * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* *For a little kick!* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For the Baked Scallops:
* 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
*Make sure the scallops are completely dry before baking – this helps them to brown properly. *
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* *Just to lightly coat the ramekins or baking dish.* * Lemon wedges for serving.
* *A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.*
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease oven-safe ramekins or a small baking dish with olive oil. I prefer using individual ramekins because they look so elegant, but a baking dish works just as well. How do you make sure your ramekins are oven safe?
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not burn garlic – it is bitter! Stir in the parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Arrange the Scallops
Arrange the scallops in the prepared ramekins or baking dish. Make sure they’re not overcrowded – you want them to cook evenly. If you use ramekins, I usually put about 4-5 scallops in each one.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce & Bake
What is the best way to serve the scallops with garlic butter sauce? How long should you bake scallops? Is it true that a potato should be slightly firm to the touch?
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the scallops before serving to add flavor. What are some good crusty breads for soaking up the garlic butter sauce?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best baked scallops? * **For a Romantic Dinner: ** Serve these as an appetizer before a main course of grilled steak or pan-seared salmon. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully. * **For a casual lunch:** Enjoy them with steamed rice and green salad. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the scallops perfectly. * **As Part of a Seafood Feast: ** Serve these alongside other seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, or smoked salmon. * **For a Quick Weeknight Meal: ** Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. What are some restaurant-worthy meals that you can whip up in a few minutes? My husband and I sometimes eat these straight out of the ramekins with a spoon. Don’t judge! They’re so good.
How do you bake garlic butter scallops?
How do I make baked scallops? * **Pat the Scallops Dry:** This is crucial! Excess moisture will prevent the scallops from browning properly and can make them rubbery. Use paper towels to pat them dry before arranging them in the ramekins. ** Scallops cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. When they’re opaque and slightly firm to the touch, they’re done. Overcooked scallops are tough and not very enjoyable. ** Butter is a key ingredient in the sauce, so use the best quality you can find. What is the best way to add garlic to your drink? If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add some extra! If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can reduce the amount. * **Add a Splash of White Wine: ** For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). How do you make garlic butter sauce? * *Experiment with Herbs: It adds a lovely complexity. What are some substitute herbs for parsley? * **Add a Topping: ** If you want a little crunch, sprinkle the scallops with breadcrumbs before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftover baked scallops (which is rare in my house! How do I store and reheat them? ** Store the baked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. How do you reheat a potato in the oven? Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Can you reheat them in a microwave? I don’t recommend freezing baked scallops, as the texture can change when thawed. What are the best foods to eat fresh? I’ve tried freezing them before, and let’s just say the results weren’t pretty.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops? What is the combination of elegance, ease, and flavor? What are some great appetizers for a dinner party? What are some of the best recipes ever created? What is the best part? Is it so adaptable that you can easily customize it to your own tastes and preferences? What are some of my favorite seafood recipes? What is your review of Shrimp Scampi and Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? How are your scallops? What do you think of my post here? Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. What is scallop love?
Baked Scallops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Scallops
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in a baking dish.
- Add scallops, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until scallops are cooked through and opaque.
