What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh scallops
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Scallops
Start by rinsing the scallops under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. It’s essential to remove any excess moisture from the scallops to achieve a perfect bake. Make sure they are dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Seasoning the Scallops
Place the dry scallops in a bowl and drizzle them with melted butter. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss the scallops to evenly coat them with the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the scallops to marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Step 3: Preparing the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors. This mixture will create a crispy and tasty topping for your baked scallops.
Step 4: Baking the Scallops
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated scallops in a baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the scallops, ensuring they are completely covered. This topping will create a delightful golden crust during baking.
Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Be cautious not to overcook the scallops, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the scallops are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Carefully transfer the scallops to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley leaves, and squeeze some additional lemon juice over them if desired. Baked scallops are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, served with a side salad, or even as the main course alongside some steamed vegetables or rice.
Now that you have mastered the art of baking scallops, it’s time to impress your family and friends with this amazingly delicious dish. Don’t be surprised when you become the go-to person for any seafood-related gatherings. Enjoy!