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- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving - Baking dish - Mixing bowl - Whisk To make garlic butter baked scallops, start with fresh sea scallops. Look for plump and shiny ones. These add great flavor and texture. The garlic gives a rich taste. You can’t go wrong with butter, garlic, and scallops. Next, you will need fresh parsley. It adds a nice color and taste. The lemon juice brightens up the dish. Paprika gives a hint of warmth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. For tools, a baking dish is key. You need a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. A whisk helps mix the garlic butter evenly. Every ingredient plays a role. This mix makes scallops tasty and simple. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease the baking dish. - In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed. - Place the scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. - Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure they are well coated. - Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn opaque. For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. - Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty kick. - Garlic butter scallops pair well with side dishes like rice or a crisp salad. Enjoy the flavors! When you shop for scallops, choose ones that look plump and shiny. Fresh scallops should be translucent and have a nice sheen. If they look dull or dry, skip them. Always give scallops a sniff. If they smell strong or fishy, they are not fresh. You want that sweet, ocean scent to ensure you get the best scallops for your dish. Baking scallops takes a bit of care. When broiling, keep your eyes on them. They can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Use a timer but check them often during the last few minutes. Also, consider the size of your scallops. Larger scallops may need a bit more time, while smaller ones cook faster. Adjusting the bake time helps ensure that each scallop is tender and juicy. To make your garlic butter baked scallops shine, think about adding herbs and spices. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but you could also try thyme or basil. These herbs enhance the flavor nicely. For extra richness, consider a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking. Parmesan works well and adds a savory layer to each bite. For the full recipe, follow the steps carefully to enjoy this delicious dish. {{image_2}} You can tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Try using olive oil instead of butter. This gives a lighter touch to the dish. It also adds a nice flavor. You can also try different herbs. Thyme or basil work great here. They add a fresh taste that pairs well with scallops. If you need gluten-free options, you're in luck! This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just watch for any added sauces. For those on a low-carb diet, this recipe fits perfectly. Scallops are low in carbs and high in protein. You can enjoy this dish without worry. Want to mix things up? Serve the scallops atop pasta or rice. The garlic butter sauce will soak in, making it extra tasty. Another fun idea is to add them to a seafood salad. The scallops bring a rich flavor that enhances any salad. You can find the full recipe to try these ideas. To keep your garlic butter baked scallops fresh, store them correctly. First, let the scallops cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the scallops in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Frozen scallops can last for about three months. When you're ready to eat them, move them to the fridge to thaw overnight. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat scallops is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them warm without drying them out. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Set it to medium heat and warm for 30 seconds at a time. Make sure to check often to avoid overcooking. To maintain their texture and flavor, avoid high heat. Reheating slowly helps keep their delicious taste and tender feel. Enjoy your meal just as you did the first time with these simple storage tips! For the full recipe, check back to make these scallops again. How long should I bake scallops for optimal doneness? Bake scallops for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). They should be opaque and firm. A little overcooking can make them tough. So, keep an eye on them. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove extra moisture. This will help them bake evenly and absorb the garlic butter flavor. What sides pair well with garlic butter scallops? I love serving garlic butter scallops with light sides. Try a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also makes a great choice. It soaks up the extra garlic butter well. How can I adjust the recipe for a larger group? To serve more people, double the recipe. Use two baking dishes to avoid crowding. This keeps the scallops from steaming and ensures they bake perfectly. Can I use shrimp instead of scallops? Yes, shrimp is a great substitute. Use the same amount and prepare it the same way. The cooking time may change slightly. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking. What can I substitute for lemon juice? If you don't have lemon juice, use lime juice or vinegar. Both add a nice tang. You can also skip it if you prefer a milder flavor. You can enjoy making garlic butter baked scallops at home. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and steps needed. I shared tips to select fresh scallops and perfect your bake. Variations allow you to explore different flavors or dietary needs. Proper storage helps keep leftovers tasty. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Experiment with sides and try new ingredient swaps. Enjoy this dish as a delightful treat you’ll make again and again.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with this easy recipe that will impress your guests! Using fresh ingredients like sea scallops, garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can have this elegant meal ready in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your seafood game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

      Place the scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

        Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring they are well coated.

          Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through.

            For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

              Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings