Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic butter baked scallops are a delicious and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh sea scallops
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Scallops:
   • Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the side muscle if still attached.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
   • In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the Scallops:
   • Place the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Add Breadcrumbs (Optional):
   • If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the scallops for a crunchy topping.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. If using breadcrumbs, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, ideally with a side of crusty bread or over pasta.

Enjoy!

This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter baked scallops!