Savory Broiled Scallops with Garlic and Lemon
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of these Savory Broiled Scallops, which are a delightful treat for seafood lovers and novices alike. This dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining. With a perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and a hint of spices, these scallops are marinated to achieve a succulent texture that your family and friends will rave about. Serve them hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices—your picky eaters won’t be able to resist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bay scallops
1 lb (Rinse and pat dry)
Salted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Seafood seasoning (Chesapeake Bay or Old Bay)
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly squeezed, if available)
Parmesan cheese
To taste (Grated (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to the broil setting, positioning the rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
2
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning until well combined.
3
In a mixing bowl, add the bay scallops and pour the seasoned butter mixture over them. Gently toss to ensure all the scallops are evenly coated.
4
Transfer the coated scallops to a small cake pan or broiler-safe dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
5
Place the pan under the broiler and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir the scallops halfway through, then return to the broiler for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and tender. Keep a close eye on them as cooking time may vary based on size.
6
Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately, paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Savory Broiled Scallops with Garlic and Lemon?
The dish is very quick and can be prepared and cooked in under 15 minutes.
What type of scallops are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of bay scallops.
How should I prepare the scallops before cooking?
Rinse the bay scallops and pat them dry thoroughly before starting the recipe.
What oven setting should I use for this recipe?
You should use the broil setting on your oven.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned about 6 inches away from the heating element.
What ingredients are in the seasoned butter mixture?
The mixture includes melted salted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning.
Can I use Old Bay seasoning for this recipe?
Yes, you can use Old Bay or any Chesapeake Bay style seafood seasoning.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, though bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I ensure the scallops are evenly seasoned?
Toss the scallops in a mixing bowl with the seasoned butter mixture until they are fully coated.
What kind of pan should I use for broiling?
A small cake pan or any broiler-safe dish that allows the scallops to sit in a single layer is ideal.
How long do the scallops need to broil in total?
They should broil for 6 to 8 minutes total, stirring halfway through.
Why is it important to stir the scallops halfway through?
Stirring helps ensure that the scallops cook evenly on all sides.
How can I tell when the scallops are done?
The scallops are done when they are opaque and tender.
Should I watch the scallops closely while they broil?
Yes, cooking times vary by size and broilers can be very hot, so keep a close eye on them.
Is Parmesan cheese a required ingredient?
Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a great flavor when sprinkled on top after cooking.
What should I serve with these scallops?
They are best served hot with crusty bread to soak up the leftover garlic butter juices.
Can I use unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies salted butter; if you use unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil in addition to the butter.
Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
You can, but keep in mind that larger sea scallops will require a longer broiling time than bay scallops.
Is this dish suitable for seafood beginners?
Yes, it is a very approachable and easy recipe that appeals to both novices and enthusiasts.
What makes these scallops savory?
The combination of garlic, lemon pepper, and seafood seasoning creates a deep savory profile.
How much lemon pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
Can I make this for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as an impressive dish for entertaining.
Does this recipe work for picky eaters?
Yes, the description notes that even picky eaters find the garlic and butter flavor profile hard to resist.
Can I prepare the butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can melt and mix the seasonings ahead of time, then just reheat it slightly when ready to coat the scallops.
What is the texture of the scallops when cooked this way?
When broiled correctly, they achieve a succulent and tender texture.
Is the garlic powder necessary if I use fresh garlic?
The recipe uses both to layer the garlic flavor throughout the butter sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not specified, 1 lb of bay scallops typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on if it is an appetizer or main course.
What should I do if my scallops are still translucent after 8 minutes?
Continue broiling in 1-minute increments until they become opaque, as oven temperatures can vary.