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