Savory Baked Maine Scallops with Garlic Butter
Baked Maine Scallops are the ultimate seafood delicacy that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dinner table. This dish takes you on a culinary journey, recalling the freshness of ocean-harvested scallops. It's a delightful recipe inspired by a memorable day when my husband went diving along the picturesque Maine coast and brought home a catch that simply couldn't get any fresher. It's ideal for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, and with a tantalizing blend of seasoned bread crumbs and a rich garlic butter sauce, these scallops are sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Just a short 15–20 minutes in the oven, and you'll have a warm, scrumptious seafood dish that's comforting and elegant all at once.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maine scallops
1 lb (rinsed and excess water shaken off)
Italian seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup
Melted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Garlic
1 clove (minced (optional))
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Start by rinsing the scallops gently in cold water to remove any grit, then shake off the excess moisture.
3
In a shallow dish, evenly coat the scallops with seasoned bread crumbs, ensuring each one is well-covered.
4
Arrange the breaded scallops in a buttered casserole dish in a single layer so they cook evenly.
5
Drizzle lemon juice over the scallops and season them with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
6
In a small saucepan, combine melted butter and minced garlic (if using). Warm the mixture over low heat until the garlic softens and the butter is fragrant.
7
Evenly pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, making sure each one is generously coated.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. They should be tender and firm to the touch.
9
Once finished, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious seafood dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Baked Maine Scallops with Garlic Butter?
This dish is a seafood delicacy featuring fresh Maine scallops coated in seasoned bread crumbs and baked in a rich garlic butter sauce.
How many scallops are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of Maine scallops.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the scallops need to bake?
The scallops should bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
What type of bread crumbs should be used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
How do I prepare the scallops before breading?
Rinse the scallops gently in cold water to remove grit and shake off any excess moisture.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter for the garlic butter sauce.
Is garlic required for this recipe?
The recipe lists 1 clove of minced garlic as an optional ingredient.
How much lemon juice is added?
Use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, drizzled over the scallops.
How can I tell when the scallops are finished cooking?
The scallops are done when they are opaque throughout, cooked through, and firm yet tender to the touch.
Should the baking dish be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, use a buttered casserole dish to bake the scallops.
How should I arrange the scallops in the dish?
Arrange the breaded scallops in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
What seasonings are recommended besides bread crumbs?
The recipe suggests adding a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
How do I make the garlic butter mixture?
Combine melted butter and minced garlic in a small saucepan over low heat until the garlic softens and the butter becomes fragrant.
What is the best way to serve these scallops?
Serve them hot, allowing them to cool slightly first, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: Maine scallops, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and salt/pepper.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with only 15–20 minutes of baking time, it is considered a quick and easy recipe.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an elegant meal that is ideal for both special occasions and cozy dinners at home.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a tantalizing blend of savory seasoned bread crumbs, rich garlic butter, and fresh, ocean-harvested scallops.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, fresh parsley is recommended as an optional garnish for the finished dish.
Does the recipe mention a specific origin for the scallops?
The recipe specifically highlights Maine scallops, inspired by diving along the Maine coast.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How should the garlic butter be applied to the scallops?
The mixture should be poured evenly over the scallops, ensuring each one is generously coated.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the melted butter.
Is there a specific way to coat the scallops in bread crumbs?
Place the bread crumbs in a shallow dish and coat each scallop evenly, ensuring they are well-covered.
What should the texture of the cooked scallops be?
They should be tender and firm to the touch once fully cooked.
Can I use this recipe for guests?
Yes, the recipe is designed to impress guests with its combination of comforting and elegant flavors.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using freshly cracked black pepper.
Should the scallops be cooked through?
Yes, the instructions state they should be baked until they are opaque and cooked through.
What is the total time the scallops spend in the oven?
They spend between 15 and 20 minutes in the oven.