Baked Scallops Recipe

Scallops: Fresh or thawed, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly sweet flavor.

Butter: Melted to create a rich and creamy base for the topping.

Bread crumbs: Adds a crunchy texture to the dish.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Parmesan cheese: Grated to add a salty, umami richness.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the rich ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.

When preparing scallops, make sure they are thoroughly patted dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps to ensure that they sear properly and develop a nice, golden crust. Additionally, when combining the melted butter with the bread crumbs, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese, mix until the ingredients are well incorporated to create a uniform topping. This will help in evenly coating the scallops and achieving a consistent flavor throughout the dish.

• scallops - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative for scallops in baked dishes.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and helps in browning, while also being a healthier fat option.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular bread crumbs.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent and more evenly distributed.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that is less pungent.

• Allow the baked scallops to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled scallops to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consume within this timeframe.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For freezing, place the cooled baked scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent clumping.
• Freeze the scallops for 1-2 hours or until they are solid. This initial freezing step helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Once frozen, transfer the scallops to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Frozen baked scallops can be stored for up to 3 months. For best quality, try to use them within this period.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the topping is crispy.
• Avoid microwaving the scallops as it can make them rubbery and diminish the delightful texture of the bread crumb and parmesan cheese topping.

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the baked scallops in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the scallops on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan, then add the scallops. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the scallops in the basket in a single layer and heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the scallops at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the melted butter, bread crumbs, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking dish: Holds the scallops and the butter mixture while baking.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the butter, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Basting brush: Helps in evenly coating the scallops with the butter mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.

• Serving platter: For presenting the baked scallops attractively once they are done.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and grate the parmesan cheese ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-melted butter: Save time by using melted butter from the store or microwave it quickly before starting.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven while you prepare the ingredients to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Opt for pre-made bread crumbs: Using store-bought bread crumbs can save you the hassle of making your own.

One-bowl mixing: Combine all ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup and speed up preparation.