Description
Deliciously tender sea scallops baked with a savory garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of paprika, garnished with parsley for a burst of flavor and color. This simple yet elegant scallop dish is perfect for a quick, impressive meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh, large sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- A pinch of paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the scallops from sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. For added richness, you may substitute half of the butter with olive oil if desired.
- Arrange Scallops: Place the fresh scallops evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season them with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of paprika for color and flavor.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Spoon the prepared garlic butter mixture generously over each scallop to ensure they are well coated.
- Add Optional Topping: For extra flavor, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the scallops before baking.
- Bake the Scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Carefully watch towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough quickly. They should turn opaque and firm but tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over them for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Do not overcook the scallops to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use half butter and half olive oil in the garlic butter for a richer flavor.
- Adding Parmesan cheese on top before baking enhances flavor and adds a golden crust.
- Monitor scallops closely in the last few minutes of baking as they cook quickly.
