Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops is a delightful dish that effortlessly combines elegance with simplicity. Picture this: tender, succulent scallops immersed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, baked to sheer perfection and flavored with a delightful hint of lemon. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that transports you straight to a cozy seaside restaurant – minus the hefty price tag! One fun tidbit about scallops is they’re often dubbed the “food of love.” As the classic saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so imagine how winning a scallop dish would be with your loved ones!
This super quick and easy recipe is perfect for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. Think of it as a luxurious treat that you can whip up in under 30 minutes! If you’re a fan of Shrimp Scampi, then you’ll love Baked Garlic Butter Scallops! Both dishes feature an irresistible garlic-butter combination that is simply mouthwatering. So, roll up your sleeves, let’s dive into this recipe, and prepare to impress your family and friends with your culinary expertise!
What are Baked Garlic Butter Scallops?
So, what’s in a name? Baked Garlic Butter Scallops rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? It’s straightforward yet enticing, enticing enough to make anyone curious about the dish’s glorious flavor. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive into a buttery, garlic-infused treat? Legend has it that this dish was invented by a chef trying to woo his love with the dazzling taste of seafood, and let’s be honest; it’s hard to go wrong with scallops when you want to impress someone. Remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so why not try your hand at cooking these delectable treats? Trust me; it’s well worth the effort!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops are not just incredibly delicious, but they also have a few key highlights that make this dish a must-try! Firstly, scallops are incredibly tender and buttery, cooking in mere minutes and delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Secondly, making this dish at home is a cost-saving alternative to treating yourself at a fancy restaurant. Plus, who doesn’t want to impress their family members without sending the wallet into a spiral?
The flavor is taken up a notch with an irresistible blend of garlic, parsley, and butter, giving a splash of zest that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of scallops. If you love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, this dish has some delightful similarities, showcasing bold flavors combined with a gentle cooking technique! So, don’t hesitate—try whipping up this fantastic dish for your next gathering!
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Quick Overview
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops are easy, tasty, and utterly satisfying! In just about 25 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you will have gourmet-flavored scallops ready to dazzle. The recipe stands out due to its rich but straightforward garlic butter sauce that elevates the delicate sweetness of the scallops. It’s a dish that’s as impressive as it is uncomplicated, making it perfect for seafood lovers of all skill levels.
Key Ingredients for Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
To create these mouthwatering Baked Garlic Butter Scallops, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh scallops (preferably sea scallops)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly baked finish.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a little bit of melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Place the Scallops in the Dish: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Sauce: Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of risotto.
What to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Scallops With
To elevate your dining experience with Baked Garlic Butter Scallops, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Alternatively, a creamy risotto or fragrant garlic bread will perfectly complement the delightful flavors of the scallops. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can also enhance the entire dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the garlic butter.
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
For the best results while preparing Baked Garlic Butter Scallops, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Scallops: Fresh scallops will yield the best flavor and texture compared to frozen counterparts. Always choose dry-packed scallops free of chemicals.
- Don’t Overcook: Being delicate, scallops only need a few minutes to cook. Aiming for an internal temperature of around 130°F will ensure they are cooked to perfection without becoming rubbery.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients such as red chili flakes for heat or grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Baked Garlic Butter Scallops, they can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. If you’d like to freeze the dish, wrap the thawed scallops tightly in foil and they can last for up to a month in the freezer. When reheating from frozen, use a microwave-safe dish and reheat in short intervals, ensuring they do not become overcooked.
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops is a luxurious yet straightforward dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests! Grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious!
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, making sure they are well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and slightly firm.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately.
