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To make garlic butter baked scallops, gather these simple items: - 1 pound sea scallops, thoroughly cleaned and patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish Fresh ingredients make a big difference in this dish. High-quality scallops have a sweet, delicate taste. Fresh garlic adds a strong, savory punch. Using fresh parsley brightens up the flavors. When you choose fresh items, your dish will shine. Always aim for the best produce and seafood. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works too. You can also use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika for a milder flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, gather all your ingredients. You need fresh sea scallops, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure your scallops are clean and dry. This step is key for a nice bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) now. Grease a medium baking dish lightly to stop sticking. In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and parsley. This creates a rich garlic butter sauce. Next, lay the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Season them well with salt and pepper. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the scallops evenly. This will add great flavor as they bake. Place the dish in the oven and set a timer for 12 to 15 minutes. After about 12 minutes, check the scallops. They should look opaque and firm to the touch. You want them to feel springy when pressed gently. If they need more time, put them back in the oven for a few more minutes. Once done, let them rest for a minute. This helps keep them juicy. Serve with lemon wedges for that zesty kick. You will love this dish! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get scallops just right, you want to bake them at 400°F. This temperature cooks them evenly. The ideal cooking time is 12 to 15 minutes. You can tell they are done when they turn opaque. Gently poke them; they should feel firm yet springy. If they feel too soft, they need more time. To boost the taste of your scallops, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can work well. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. You can also experiment with different lemon juices, like key lime, for a twist. Adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter brings depth. One mistake is overcrowding the baking dish. Scallops need space to cook evenly. Not drying them properly can lead to a watery texture. Always season generously with salt and pepper. Forgetting to garnish with lemon can dull the flavor. Lastly, avoid overcooking; it makes scallops tough. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of garlic butter baked scallops easily. Use herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. If you love spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. You can also swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty kick. For a sweet touch, try a drizzle of honey in the sauce. All these changes can make your dish more unique. Baking is simple, but there are other ways to cook scallops. You can grill them for a smoky flavor. Just marinate the scallops in garlic butter and then grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side. Pan-searing is another tasty option. Heat some butter in a skillet, then cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side. Each method gives you a different taste and texture. Serve garlic butter baked scallops with sides that complement their flavor. A crisp green salad pairs well, adding freshness. Crusty bread is also a great choice for soaking up the garlic butter. You might want to serve them with rice or pasta for a heartier meal. Add a glass of white wine for a special touch. This meal is not just tasty; it looks beautiful too. You can find the full recipe for garlic butter baked scallops to help guide you. To store your garlic butter baked scallops, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to keep the flavors intact. If you've added lemon wedges, remove them before storing. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the scallops in a baking dish. Add a bit of fresh garlic butter on top to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can freeze the baked scallops for up to one month. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Feel free to explore the full recipe for additional tips! You should bake scallops at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The scallops turn opaque and tender when done. I always check them at 12 minutes. Use a fork to gently poke them. They should feel firm but springy. Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you need them quick, run them under cold water. Pat them dry well before cooking. This helps the scallops sear nicely. I love serving garlic butter baked scallops with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. You can also add some lemon wedges for a fresh touch. A light pasta or rice can work too. This makes a complete meal. Garlic butter baked scallops are high in protein and low in carbs. A serving has about 200 calories. They contain healthy fats from the butter. Scallops also provide vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium. For precise values, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered how to cook scallops perfectly. We discussed the key ingredients, focusing on the importance of fresh options. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for great flavor, and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about variations and how to store your leftovers. In closing, cooking scallops can be easy and fun. With these tips, you'll impress your family and friends. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. Enjoy your delicious scallops!

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfectly baked scallops are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with lemon juice and smoked paprika. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound sea scallops, thoroughly cleaned and patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and finely chopped parsley until well combined. This will be your flavorful garlic butter sauce.

      Carefully arrange the sea scallops in a single layer across the greased baking dish. Take a moment to season the scallops generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper.

        Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops, making sure each scallop receives a lovely coating of the buttery goodness.

          Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the scallops have turned opaque and are tender to the touch. They should feel firm yet slightly springy when gently prodded.

            Once finished, remove the scallops from the oven and allow them to rest for a minute to enhance their juiciness before serving.

              For added flair, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley and serve it alongside lemon wedges for a refreshing squeeze of citrus just before enjoying.

                - Serving Suggestions: Serve the baked scallops with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.