GARLIC BUTTER BAKED SCALLOPS

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a fantastic, flavorful, and simple dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the delicate flavor of scallops. Here’s an easy recipe for you to try:

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 16-20) large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for a crispier topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.

2. Prepare the scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them bake properly without becoming watery. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Stir well to combine.

4. Arrange the scallops: Place the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. If you have a scallop baking dish, that works great, but any oven-safe dish will do!

5. Top with garlic butter: Spoon the garlic butter mixture over each scallop, making sure to evenly coat them.

6. Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops to create a nice, golden crust when baked.

7. Bake the scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. The breadcrumb topping should be golden brown.

8. Garnish and serve: Once done, remove the scallops from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can serve them with lemon wedges on the side.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or some buttery garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops—they’re perfect for a special meal or a dinner to impress guests!

Let me know how it turns out! Any tweaks or personal touches you like to add to your scallops?