Why You’ll Love This Baked Scallops
Baked scallops offer that perfect mix of elegance and simplicity, perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests, drawing from my own memories of seaside meals it’s all about tender, flavorful bites that feel special without much fuss. Let’s dive into what makes this baked scallops recipe a standout choice.
- Ease of preparation: This baked scallops recipe is straightforward, with prep in 10 minutes and baking around 12-15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or new cooks. The simple mix of seasoning and oven-time turns fresh ingredients into a delicious meal without complicated steps, perfect for anyone craving oven-baked scallops with minimal cleanup.
- Health benefits: Loaded with lean protein and omega-3s from the 1 pound of scallops, it’s rich in nutrients like vitamin B12 for energy and selenium for antioxidant support, all in a low-calorie dish under 250 calories per serving. Paired with herbs and veggies, oven-baked scallops promote heart health and provide a light meal that feels indulgent and nourishing.
- Versatility: Easily adapted for various diets, swap butter for oil in this baked scallops recipe to go vegan, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiasedistance needs, fitting everything from weeknight dinners to diets focused on seafood varieties. Its flexibility allows for quick tweaks based on what’s in your pantry, making oven-baked scallops a reliable option.
- Distinctive flavor: The blend of garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon creates a unique, savory taste that’s fresh and zesty, setting these oven-baked scallops apart with their tender texture and light, buttery finish. It’s that seaside-inspired flavor that makes every bite memorable and crave-worthy.
In short, this baked scallops recipe delivers simplicity and taste for all occasions.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Scallops
Here’s the essentials for this baked scallops recipe, with precise measurements and why each plays a key role in the dish.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh scallops – Provides lean protein and a tender base, offering omega-3s for a nutritious meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds healthy fats and helps achieve a golden crisp during baking.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses aromatic flavor and antioxidants, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Creates a crunchy topping, binding other flavors while adding texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the scallops.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Adds fresh, herbal notes for brightness and color.
- Juice of 1 lemon – Provides acidity to balance richness, elevating the scallops’ natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasons the dish, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-rounded.
Special Dietary Options
- Vegan: Substitute scallops with king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, and use vegan Parmesan for a plant-based baked scallops option.
- Gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to keep the texture intact in this baked scallops recipe.
- Low-calorie: Reduce cheese and oil amounts, focusing on herbs and lemon for a lighter version of baked scallops.
How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Scallops: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating baked scallops is a breeze, taking about 25-30 minutes total, with baking at 425°F bringing out that irresistible crispiness this has become my quick favorite for weekday dinners or entertaining, and it’s super adaptable. Let me guide you through each step, including tips for vegan swaps or low-calorie tweaks to make it yours, with clear timing for easy following.
First Step: Prep the Ingredients
Start with mise en place by gathering 1 pound fresh scallops, rinsing and patting them dry with paper towels this ensures they’re ready and removes any excess moisture for better searing. Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup, taking about 5-10 minutes. For low-calorie adaptations, focus on seasoning without added fats; this step sets the stage for flavorful, oven-baked scallops.
Second Step: Season the Scallops
In a bowl, toss the scallops with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and juice of 1 lemon for that fresh zing mix well so every piece is coated, which takes just 2-3 minutes. If going vegan, use king oyster mushrooms instead here; this allows the flavors to meld, prepping for perfectly baked scallops with a light, aromatic touch.
Third Step: Add Toppings
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish and sprinkle with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for a crispy finish, adding 1 tablespoon chopped parsley on top for color. For gluten-free options, swap breadcrumbs now; let them sit for a minute to absorb flavors, ensuring the baked scallops come out with great texture after baking.
Fourth Step: Bake in the Oven
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden check at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking, as timing can vary by size. For variations, add extra herbs for more intensity; this step locks in the juicy goodness of baked scallops, keeping it simple and adaptable.
Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges for freshness. Serve immediately for 4 portions, pairing with veggies for a complete meal this baked scallops recipe shines as a versatile dish, ready to impress with minimal effort. For dietary needs, remember those easy swaps to make it fit.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Baked Scallops
Customizing baked scallops lets you tweak for any occasion, drawing from quick kitchen hacks to keep it delicious and flexible, covered in a neat 300-400 words.
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
For scallops, try firm tofu or mushrooms as vegan substitutes, ensuring the dish remains protein-packed and satisfying for different tastes. These options maintain the recipe’s charm while adapting to availability.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
Add greens like spinach or modify with herbs for seasonal flair, swapping lemon for lime in sauces to enhance baked scallops with fresh twists.
Mastering Baked Scallops: Advanced Tips and Variations
Elevate your baked scallops with these pro insights, from flavor boosts to prep tricks, all in 300-400 words for a deeper dive, like turning a simple meal into a signature dish.
Pro Cooking Techniques
Broil at the end for added crisp, ensuring your baked scallops reach peak texture and flavor with even cooking.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with spices or citrus to vary the taste, customizing baked scallops for a personal touch.
Presentation Tips
Plate with colorful veggies for appeal, making the dish as visually enticing as it is tasty.
Make-Ahead Options
Marinate ahead and store for quick baking, keeping baked scallops ready for busy nights.
How to Store Baked Scallops: Best Practices
Storing baked scallops keeps them fresh and flavorful, with simple guidelines in 200-300 words to handle leftovers like a pro.
| Storage Method | Guidelines | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Keep for up to 2 days in a sealed container. | Maintains taste for quick meals. |
| Freezing | Freeze for up to 1 month, well-wrapped. | Thaw in fridge before reheating scallops. |
| Reheating | Warm in oven at low heat. | Preserves quality of baked scallops. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Scallops
What size of scallops should I use for baking?
Can I bake frozen scallops, and how should I prepare them?
How do I know when baked scallops are fully cooked?
What’s the difference between wet and dry scallops, and which is better for baking?
How should I store leftover baked scallops and reheat them without drying them out?
Baked Scallops
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
🦐 Experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Baked Scallops with a Buttery Parmesan Twist.
🍽️ Elevate your dinner with this easy yet luxurious seafood dish that’s packed with savory flavors.
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh scallops
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter with salt and pressed garlic cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Pat the sea scallops dry.
5. Toss the scallops in the melted butter mixture.
6. Coat the scallops in the Panko and grated Parmesan mixture.
7. Arrange the scallops in a baking dish, leaving space between each one.
8. Pour any remaining melted butter around the scallops and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake the scallops for 10 to 14 minutes until they are done, depending on their size.
Notes
🛒 Use dry scallops for a better texture and flavor during cooking.
❄️ Thaw frozen scallops slowly in the refrigerator for the best results.
🌡️ Check that scallops are opaque in the center and reach an internal temperature of 125 to 130°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 268
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Baked Scallops, Buttery Parmasan Scallops, Easy Seafood Recipe, Sea Scallops Dish