The Creamiest Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent sea treasures meet culinary magic in this delectable baked scallops recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Fresh, plump scallops take center stage, kissed by a golden, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

Delicate yet robust, these marine gems shine with minimal preparation and maximum taste.

Each scallop becomes a canvas for simple, elegant seasonings that highlight their natural sweetness.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that impresses without complexity.

Crisp, tender, and bursting with oceanic richness, these baked scallops will transport you to coastal dining bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this seafood sensation.

What Makes Baked Scallops So Delicious

• Transform ordinary scallops into a gourmet dish with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home chefs wanting to impress without extensive culinary training.
• The breadcrumb mixture combines Parmesan, paprika, and chipotle chili powder, creating a multilayered taste experience that's both crispy and zesty.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward instructions make this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen time and effort.
• Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks experiment with different herbs, spices, or cheese to match personal taste preferences.

Baked Scallops Ingredient Breakdown

• Scallops: Fresh, delicate seafood that provides a sweet and tender base for this baked dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and rich flavor to the scallops.

• Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Chipotle Chili Powder: Delivers a complex and balanced flavor profile with a subtle hint of heat.

• Parsley, Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and fresh herbaceous notes to complement the scallops.

• Melted Butter, Olive Oil: Helps bind the breadcrumb mixture and creates a rich, golden coating for the scallops.

Easy Steps for Baked Scallops

Step 1: Prepare Scallops

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Gently pat scallops completely dry using paper towels.

Remove any tough side muscles by pulling them off.

Proper drying ensures beautiful golden browning during baking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chipotle chili powder
• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Mix thoroughly until breadcrumbs are evenly coated and crumbly.

The mixture should look moist and well-blended.

Step 3: Arrange Scallops

Place scallops in a single layer within a baking dish.

Ensure spacing between each scallop for even cooking.

Generously spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each scallop, pressing gently to help coating adhere.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and crispiness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the topping transforms into a gorgeous golden brown and scallops become opaque.

Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent overcooking.

Scallops should be firm yet tender in the center, maintaining a delicate texture.

Tips to Nail Baked Scallops Every Time

• Ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Arrange scallops in a single layer with space between each one for even cooking and optimal browning.
• Watch scallops closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb coating to create unique flavor variations that complement the delicate scallop taste.
• Take off any tough side muscles before cooking to ensure a tender and enjoyable eating experience.

Baked Scallops Storage Tips

• Store leftover baked scallops in an airtight container, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor quality.
• Place scallops on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Warm scallops in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning, ensuring a crispy and delicious result.

Great Pairings for Baked Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the buttery scallops, complementing the delicate seafood flavor with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Create a Herbal Herb Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, chives, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, crispy breadcrumb coating and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a textural crunch that echoes the breadcrumb topping.
• Serve with Citrus Spritz: A sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a light gin and tonic can cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's zesty, bright undertones.

Ways to Switch Up Baked Scallops

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use almond meal or ground nuts for added texture and crunch.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter for coating breadcrumbs.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Increase butter content and reduce any carbohydrate-rich ingredients to maintain low-carb profile.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture. Include diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat and kick in the recipe.

FAQs

• What are Panko breadcrumbs and why use them?

Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style light, airy breadcrumbs that create a crispier, crunchier coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs. They absorb less oil and provide a delightful texture to baked dishes.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make scallops steam instead of developing a nice golden crust.

• How do I know if my scallops are fresh?

Fresh scallops should have a mild, ocean-like smell, be firm to touch, and appear pearly white or light beige. Avoid scallops with a strong fishy odor or yellowish discoloration.

• Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Romano cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using a blend of breadcrumbs with nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy, umami taste.

Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Scallops elevate seafood dining with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and elegant simplicity. Garlic butter, fresh herbs, and golden breadcrumbs create a mouthwatering dish that promises restaurant-quality experience right in home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 sea scallops
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, melted)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional- melted for coating bottom of dish)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon (freshly zested, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (205°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the scallops.
2. Thoroughly dry the scallops using paper towels, removing any tough side muscles to guarantee a tender texture.
3. Create a flavorful breadcrumb mixture by combining Panko, Parmesan, paprika, salt, pepper, and chipotle chili powder in a medium bowl.
4. Incorporate melted butter, olive oil, chopped parsley, and lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture, stirring until evenly coated and crumbly.
5. Arrange scallops in a single layer within a baking dish, maintaining space between each for uniform cooking.
6. Generously coat each scallop with the prepared breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure adherence.
7. Sprinkle reserved Parmesan cheese over the top for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking.
9. Confirm doneness when the topping turns golden brown and scallops become opaque, firm yet tender in the center.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops for the best flavor and texture, preferably dry-packed sea scallops without added chemicals.
• Ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, which can cause uneven cooking and prevent proper caramelization of the breadcrumb topping.
• For gluten-free option, swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg