Savory Baked Scallops with Lemon Butter
Indulge in this delicious Savory Baked Scallops with Lemon Butter recipe, perfect for seafood lovers! Tender sea scallops are coated in a crunchy Ritz cracker topping and baked to perfection in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. This elegant dish is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive appetizer or a main course for a cozy dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or over a bed of garlic butter pasta for a delightful meal that will surely impress your guests.
4
Servings
180
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ritz crackers
20 (crushed)
black pepper
to taste (None)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (None)
sea scallops
1 lb (rinsed and drained)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (None)
lemon
1/2 (juice of)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
3
Take the rinsed and drained scallops and press them into the cracker mixture to coat them thoroughly. Place the coated scallops in the greased baking dish in a single layer.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dry white wine, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
5
Drizzle the lemon butter mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring they are well moistened.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the scallops are lightly browned and cooked through.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Scallops with Lemon Butter?
It is a dish featuring tender sea scallops coated in a Ritz cracker topping and baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 180 calories per serving in this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the scallops need to bake?
The scallops should bake for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
What type of scallops are used?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of sea scallops.
What kind of crackers are used for the topping?
The recipe uses 20 crushed Ritz crackers for the crunchy topping.
What is in the lemon butter sauce?
The sauce consists of melted butter, dry white wine, and fresh lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What size baking dish is required?
An 8x8 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I rinse the scallops before cooking?
Yes, the instructions state to rinse and drain the scallops before coating them.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 8g of protein.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 14g of fat per serving.
Are there any carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What garnish is used for the scallops?
The dish is garnished with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is suitable as both an elegant appetizer or a main course.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is recommended for the butter sauce.
What seasonings are added to the cracker mixture?
The crackers are mixed with black pepper and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a 15-minute bake time, it is considered a quick and easy meal.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe calls for the juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon.
What is the texture of the topping?
The Ritz cracker coating provides a savory, crunchy texture to the tender scallops.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 8x8 inch baking dish before adding the scallops.
How should the scallops be arranged in the dish?
The coated scallops should be placed in the baking dish in a single layer.
What side dishes pair well with these scallops?
It pairs well with a fresh salad or over a bed of garlic butter pasta.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed, rinsed, and drained before use.
What if I don't have Ritz crackers?
While Ritz is specified for flavor, other buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs could be used as a substitute.
Does this recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the Ritz crackers and the butter, though you can add salt to taste if desired.
Is this recipe considered gourmet?
Yes, it is tagged as a gourmet and elegant seafood dish.
Can I omit the wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken or seafood broth.
How do I ensure the crackers are evenly distributed?
Mix the crushed crackers, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl before coating the scallops.