🐚 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
🌿 Description
Tender scallops are baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and herbs, then finished with a light golden topping. Juicy, delicate, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a special meal or quick gourmet dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
- 500g scallops (fresh or thawed, patted dry)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the sauce
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange scallops
- Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them.
4. Add topping
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan over the scallops.
5. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until scallops are opaque and tender.
- Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve immediately.
💡 Tips & Variations
- No breadcrumbs: Skip for a low-carb version.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes.
- Creamy version: Stir in a little cream to the butter sauce.
❓ Q&A
Q: How do I know scallops are done?
They turn opaque and slightly firm—don’t overcook or they become rubbery.
Q: Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry.
Q: What to serve with them?
Pasta, rice, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance.
