Baked Bay Scallops Recipes

2 min read 22-02-2025

Baked Bay Scallops Recipes

Are you craving a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than these baked bay scallops! This recipe delivers tender, succulent scallops with a delicate buttery flavor, enhanced by a hint of lemon and garlic. It's a quick and easy recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this stunningly simple seafood delight!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound bay scallops, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scallops bake evenly and achieve that perfect tender texture.

  2. Prepare the scallops: Gently pat the bay scallops dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps them brown beautifully and prevents them from steaming instead of baking.

  3. Mix the flavor base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. If using white wine, add it now and stir to combine.

  4. Coat the scallops: Add the dried bay scallops to the butter mixture and toss gently to coat them evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the scallops.

  5. Bake: Transfer the scallops to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added texture and a slightly crispier finish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. Overbaking can result in rubbery scallops, so keep a close eye on them.

  6. Serve immediately: These baked bay scallops are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a delightful part of a larger meal.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Bay Scallops:

  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the scallops in the baking dish to allow for even cooking and browning.
  • Use high-quality scallops: The flavor of your dish will depend heavily on the quality of the scallops you use. Opt for fresh, plump scallops whenever possible.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper according to your preferences.
  • Experiment with herbs: Besides parsley, other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme would also complement the scallops beautifully.

Variations:

  • Spicy Scallops: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Creamy Scallops: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the butter mixture for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Garlic Parmesan Scallops: Top the scallops with grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy, savory twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on additions)
  • Protein: Approximately 15-20g
  • Fat: Approximately 10-15g

This baked bay scallops recipe is a wonderful example of how easy it is to create healthy and delicious meals at home. It's a quick dinner idea, a simple yet impressive dish, and a perfect addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy!

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