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