Scаllops are this fancy seafood that people love for their soft texture and slight sweetness . They’Re bivalve mollusks that show up in fancy restaurants or simple home kitchens . You can sear , grill , or bake them . One of the easiest classics is garlic-butter baked scallops , cause it’s tasty and quick .
Gаrlіc butter is a perfect friend for scallops . The melted butter brings out the sweet side of the scallops , and the garlic adds a strong smell that just makes you hungry . When you bake them , it’s less work since you just pop them in the oven and wait for them to turn white and firm .
In this post , we’ll talk about what scallops are , why gаrlіc butter works so well with them , and how you can bake them step by step . You’ll get a simple recipe with tips , plus some ways to mix it up if you want to try new flavors . Whether this is your first time or you’re used to cоoking seafood , you can still make this dish look like you’ve got chef skills .
What Are Scallops?
Scаllops are sea creatures with two shells , in the family Pectinidae . Chefs and seafood lovers like them cause they’re tender and taste a bit sweet . You’ll mostly see two main types : sea scallops and bay scallops . Each kind tastes a little different and works best in certain dishes .
Types of Scallops
- Sea Scallops: These are bigger , around 3—5 inches wide . They feel meaty and taste sweet , so fancy places like to use them . Most come from deep waters , so they have that ocean flavor .
- Bay Scallops: Smaller at about 1—2 inches wide , these are even sweeter and more tender . You usually find them near the shore . They’re great for light dishes like salads or pasta where their gentle flavor stands out .
Nutritional Benefits
Scаllops don’t just taste good , they’re also good for you . Here are some big reasons you might try to eat more of them :
- High Protein: Scallops give you a lot of protein that helps your muscles repair and grow .
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They have healthy fats that help your heart and can reduce swelling in your body .
- Vitamins and Minerals: You get B12 , B6 , zinc , selenium , and phosphorus from scallops , all of which do important jobs in your body .
Why Garlic Butter?
Gаrlіc butter is a top choice with seafood . It brings out the best in scallops and turns them into something special .
Flavor Profile
The mix of garlic and butter makes a sauce that’s rich and savory , and it fits the scallops’ sweet taste perfectly . The garlic smell seeps into the meat , giving it more depth and making each bite pop .
Culinary Uses
It’s not just for scallops . You can use gаrlіc butter on veggies , meat , or even on bread . It’s a go-to mix in many kitchens .
Health Aspects
Besides tasting awesome , garlic has stuff in it that works like an antioxidant . It might help stop some long-term illnesses , boost your immune system , and even lower blood pressure .
Preparing Scallops
Selecting Fresh Scallops
Picking scallops right makes a big difference . They should look moist and be creamy white or a bit beige . If they smell too fishy , skip them . It’s best to buy from a fish market where you can ask questions , or from a trusted online seller that delivers fast .
Cleaning and Preparing Scallops
After you buy them , rinse you scallops under cold water to wash away sand or grit . Be gentle so they don’t break . Pat them dry with paper towels so they bake nice and don’t get soggy . Then sprinkle salt , pepper , or your favorite spices just before you cook them .
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley , chopped
- Lemon juice , to taste
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or butter .
- Put the scallops in one layer in the dish so they cook evenly .
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat .
- Add the garlic and cook 1—2 minutes until you smell it , but don’t let it burn .
- Pour the garlic butter over the scallops .
- Season with salt , pepper , and a squeeze of lemon .
- Bake for 10—15 minutes , until the scallops are white and feel firm .
- Sprinkle parsley on top before you serve .
Tips and Advice
Don’t overcook ; they go from soft to tough real quick if you’re not careful . Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce , or with roasted veggies for a full meal . For wine , a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio works really well .
Variations of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Cheese-Topped Scallops
Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking . It melts and gives a gooey , cheesy layer that tastes great .
Spicy Twist
Mix in red pepper flakes with the butter for a kick . If you like heat , this will take it up a notch .
Herb Variations
Try thyme , dill , or basil instead of parsley . Just sprinkle your chosen herb on top before you bake .
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
Good sides for gаrlіc butter baked scallops include creamy risotto or a fresh green salad . You can also add sautéed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts to make it a balanced plate .
Wine Pairings
Go for a white Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio to bring out the scallops’ sweetness . A light Chardonnay with buttery notes also matches well .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these so your scallops turn out great :
- Overcooking: They should feel firm but still soft inside .
- Not Using Fresh Garlic: Dried garlic just won’t give you the same kick .
- Skipping the Drying Step: Extra moisture makes them steam instead of roast .
FAQs
How long do you bake scallops?
About 10—15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) , but check them so they don’t get tough .
Can you use frozen scallops instead of fresh?
Yes , if you thaw them in the fridge first . Fresh is best but properly thawed frozen ones are still tasty .
What should scallops look like when cooked?
They should be opaque and spring back a bit when you press them . No see-through bits should stay .
Can you prepare garlic butter baked scallops in advance?
Sure , mix the scallops and butter and cover them in the fridge . Bake straight from cold but add a couple minutes if it’s chilled .
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days . Reheat gently in the oven or on low heat in a pan .
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Equipment
- 1 baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 oven
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- lemon wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any side muscle if present.
- In a mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Place the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
- To enhance the flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
