Garlic Butter Baked Scallops delicious

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Mediterranean Style

Description

This recipe features tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with Mediterranean flavors like fresh herbs, lemon, and a touch of white wine. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light main course, these scallops are buttery, garlicky, and delightfully juicy. The golden topping of breadcrumbs adds a subtle crunch, balancing the soft, melt-in-your-mouth scallops. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete Mediterranean experience.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or individual scallop shells with olive oil.

2. Prepare the garlic butter:
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Arrange scallops:
   Place scallops in the baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Drizzle the garlic butter over each scallop.

4. Add toppings:
   In a separate small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops.

5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown. Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become rubbery.

6. Serve:
   Drizzle a little extra olive oil or melted butter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

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Q&A

Q1: Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge and pat dry. Excess moisture will prevent browning and can make the scallops rubbery.

Q2: Can I make this without Parmesan?
A: Absolutely! You can replace it with breadcrumbs alone or use a Mediterranean cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Q3: What side dishes go well with these scallops?
A: Garlic butter baked scallops pair beautifully with:

• Mediterranean quinoa salad

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and breadcrumb topping in advance, but bake the scallops just before serving for best results.