Crispy, Golden Baked Scallops Recipe: A Family Favorite

Golden, tender scallops dancing with garlic butter create a mouthwatering easy baked scallops recipe that promises restaurant-quality elegance at home.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this simple yet sophisticated dish bursting with delicate flavors.

Each succulent morsel melts in your mouth with a perfect blend of herbs and rich buttery goodness.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the first bite.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this delightful seafood sensation that requires minimal preparation.

With just a few ingredients, you can transform ordinary scallops into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to impress your guests with this delectable, foolproof recipe that guarantees pure seafood bliss.

Why Baked Scallops Are Always a Good Idea

• Effortlessly Prepare Gourmet Scallops
• Perfect for home cooks with minimal kitchen skills, this recipe guides you through each step with clear, straightforward instructions that make seafood preparation feel like a breeze.
• The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, combining wine-simmered scallops with a rich, creamy sauce and crunchy breadcrumb topping that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Ideal for intimate dinner parties or family gatherings, these baked scallops impress guests while requiring surprisingly little technical cooking expertise, making it a go-to recipe for both casual and slightly fancy meals.
• The combination of simmering, saucing, and golden-brown breadcrumb topping creates a multi-textural dish that engages taste buds with crispy edges, tender seafood, and a luxurious sauce that makes every bite memorable.

Key Ingredients for Easy Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Delicate seafood that forms the heart of this delicious baked dish.

• White Wine, Cooking Liquid: Creates a flavorful and moist environment for the scallops during cooking.

• Butter, Flour: Work together to create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the scallops.
• Onions: Add depth and sweetness to the sauce base.

• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden crust that adds texture to the dish.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scallops.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the rich sauce.

Instructions for Perfect Oven-Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to 400°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your delicious seafood dish.

Step 2: Gently Poach Scallops

• White wine
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes.

Cover the pan to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Step 3: Transfer Scallops

Use a spatula to move the scallops into a baking dish.

They can slightly overlap.

Reserve the cooking liquid for the upcoming sauce.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Melting butter
• Cooking onions until soft
• Sprinkling flour
• Whisking to combine
• Slowly adding reserved cooking liquid
• Stirring until sauce thickens

Pour sauce over scallops and gently mix to coat evenly.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the dish.

Dot remaining butter on top for extra richness.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place in the oven for 15 minutes.

Watch for golden breadcrumbs and bubbling sauce.

Step 7: Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon over the dish to brighten flavors before serving.

Tips for Juicy and Crispy Scallops

• Keep a close eye on scallops during simmering to maintain their delicate, tender texture. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery and lose their sweet, oceanic flavor.
• Use a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the sauce's complexity and complement the scallops' natural sweetness.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to ensure a golden, extra-crunchy texture that adds fantastic contrast to the soft scallops.
• Whisk continuously when adding flour to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the scallops perfectly.
• Enjoy the dish immediately after baking to experience the optimal combination of crispy breadcrumbs and bubbling, flavorful sauce.

Storing and Reheating Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum to maintain best quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled scallops to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place scallops in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place scallops in a baking dish, add a splash of white wine or broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

Sides That Pair Well with Baked Scallops

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, mineral-rich white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the delicate scallop texture and cuts through the buttery sauce with bright acidity.
• Complementary Side Dish Recommendation: Serve alongside a light orzo pilaf with fresh herbs or roasted asparagus spears to enhance the seafood's elegant profile without overpowering the subtle scallop flavors.
• Elevate with Citrus Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges or garnish with chopped parsley to add a zesty brightness that lifts the rich, creamy sauce and provides a fresh counterpoint to the buttery breadcrumb topping.
• Texture-Enhancing Crunch: Add a small side salad with mixed greens and toasted almond slivers to introduce a crisp contrast to the soft, tender scallops and create a balanced dining experience.

Variations to Spice Up Your Scallops

• Gluten-Free Scallop Casserole: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from rice or corn to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal for a keto-friendly version that maintains a crispy topping while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Style: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of dairy for a rich, creamy sauce that keeps the dish allergen-friendly and heart-healthy.
• Herb-Infused Coastal Variation: Enhance the sauce with fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley to create a more aromatic dish that brings additional layers of flavor to the classic scallop recipe.

FAQs

• What type of scallops work best for this recipe?

Sea scallops are ideal because they’re larger, more tender, and have a sweeter flavor that holds up well during baking. Avoid bay scallops, which are smaller and might overcook quickly.

• How do I know if my scallops are fresh?

Look for scallops that are firm, have a bright white or slightly pink color, and smell like the ocean – not fishy. If they have a strong, unpleasant odor, they’re not fresh and should be avoided.

• Can I substitute the white wine?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or seafood stock as an alternative. If you prefer, a splash of clam juice or even water with a bit of lemon juice will work in place of wine.

• What if I don't have fresh breadcrumbs?

Store-bought breadcrumbs are fine. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, or make your own by toasting and crumbling day-old bread.

Easy Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Parmesan-crusted Baked Scallops elevate seafood simplicity with golden, crispy edges and delicate marine flavor. Mediterranean coastal elegance meets home kitchen convenience, delivering restaurant-quality elegance you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds sea scallops
• 1 cup dry white wine (sauvignon blanc)
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the delicate seafood dish.
2. Gently simmer scallops in wine with a pinch of salt for 4 minutes, covering the pan to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.
3. Transfer scallops to a baking dish using a spatula, allowing slight overlapping, and reserve the cooking liquid for the sauce.
4. Melt butter in the same pan, sauté onions until soft, then whisk in flour to create a smooth base. Gradually incorporate the reserved cooking liquid, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a velvety sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the scallops, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the rich mixture.
6. Distribute breadcrumbs uniformly across the top of the scallops, then dot with remaining butter for a golden, crispy finish.
7. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F, monitoring until breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown and the sauce begins to bubble.
8. Remove from oven and finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, enhancing the seafood’s natural flavors and adding a bright, zesty note to the dish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a sweet, ocean-like aroma for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent watery results.
• Avoid overcooking by monitoring cooking time closely, as scallops can quickly become tough and rubbery.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg