Buttery Garlic Baked Scallops

Garlic butter, breadcrumbs, parmesan and scallops are combined to make these Buttery Garlic Baked Scallops a tasty dish that is ready in less than 15 minutes. Seriously? Can it get any better than that?

If you know anything about me, it’s that I LOVE seafood. Scallops and Shrimp are on the top of the list. I’m not a mussels or oyster kind of gal though, I’ll be honest. They kind of freak me out. The texture is what gets to me, and scallops are quite similar. But when they are baked that solves that issue.

First, let’s distiguish the difference between scallops and which ones I prefer to make this dish.

What’s the Difference Between Bay and Sea Scallops?

1. Size: Bay scallops are smaller in size compared to sea scallops.
2. Flavor: Bay scallops tend to have a sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to sea scallops. Sea scallops have a richer and meatier taste.
3. Habitat: Bay scallops are found in shallow bays along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Sea scallops, on the other hand, are in deeper ocean waters along the Atlantic coast.
4. Texture: Bay scallops are often more tender and delicate in texture compared to sea scallops, which have a firmer and more substantial texture.
5. Cooking: Due to their smaller size, bay scallops cook more quickly than sea scallops. Sea scallops are commonly seared, grilled, or broiled to develop a golden crust while keeping the interior tender and moist.

I prefer to use the larger sea scallops, however, I quarter them into a similar size as the bay scallops. I just prefer the meaty taste of the bay scallops.

The key to making fabulously buttery garlic baked scallops is the dry heat of the oven. The secret to not overcooking them is to bake them at a high temperature and for a short time.  This allows the scallops to cook evenly without becoming rubbery.

How to Make These Garlic Butter Scallops

• For the Scallops: Prepare a flavorful coating mixture using breadcrumbs, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will add texture and flavor to the scallops during baking. When coating the scallops, ensure they are evenly coated to create a crispy exterior. Additionally, consider using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• For the garlic butter: Gently cook minced garlic in melted butter over low heat to infuse the butter with a rich garlic flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
• To Cook: Coat the scallops in the breadcrumbs and drizzle the garlic butter on top. Bake until cooked but still a touch springy. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness

What to Serve with Scallops

• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful blend of fluffy rice, aromatic herbs, and savory spices.
• Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables: A delicious mix of perfectly seasoned veggies, roasted for a tasty and convenient side dish.
• Lemon Quinoa: A refreshing side featuring fluffy quinoa infused with zesty lemon flavor bringing a brightness to your plate.

BUTTERY GARLIC BAKED SCALLOP RECIPE
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