Savory Broiled Sea Scallops with Garlic Herb Crust
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh sea scallops with this exquisite recipe that combines the richness of garlic and parsley with a crisp breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy meal at home, this dish is designed to impress. The marination process infuses the scallops with a delicate blend of dry vermouth, vegetable oil, and fresh herbs, making every bite melt in your mouth. Serve alongside a crusty bread and some sautéed green vegetables for a complete and satisfying culinary experience, ideal for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry Vermouth
1/2 cup (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Sea Scallops
1 lb (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Paprika
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry vermouth, vegetable oil, crushed garlic, salt, and chopped parsley. Stir well to create a marinade.
2
Add the sea scallops to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
3
Preheat your broiler to high, positioning the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
4
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5
Remove the scallops from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Transfer the scallops (along with some marinade) into a baking dish or divide them among four individual ramekins.
6
Broil the scallops for 3 minutes on one side, until they start to turn golden and opaque.
7
Carefully turn the scallops over and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Dust lightly with paprika for color and flavor.
8
Broil for an additional 3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden brown and the scallops are thoroughly cooked.
9
Serve immediately with crusty bread and a side of sautéed green vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Broiled Sea Scallops with Garlic Herb Crust?
It is a seafood dish featuring fresh sea scallops marinated in vermouth and herbs, topped with a crispy buttered breadcrumb crust and broiled to perfection.
How long do the scallops need to marinate?
The sea scallops should be marinated in the refrigerator for 1 hour to fully enhance their flavors.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade is made from a combination of dry vermouth, vegetable oil, crushed garlic, salt, and freshly chopped parsley.
Can I substitute the dry vermouth in this recipe?
Yes, if you do not have dry vermouth, a dry white wine can be used as a suitable substitute for the marinade.
What is the total broiling time for the scallops?
The total broiling time is approximately 6 minutes: 3 minutes on the first side and another 3 minutes after adding the breadcrumb topping.
How should I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Combine 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
The broiler should be set to high to ensure the scallops cook quickly and the topping becomes crisp.
Where should I position the oven rack when broiling?
Position the oven rack about 4 inches from the broiler's heat source for optimal cooking.
How do I know when the scallops are finished cooking?
The scallops are done when they turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
What sides go well with these broiled scallops?
This dish is best served with crusty bread to soak up the juices and a side of sautéed green vegetables.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a healthy dinner and low-cholesterol seafood option.
Do I need to turn the scallops during cooking?
Yes, you should broil them for 3 minutes on one side, then carefully turn them over before applying the breadcrumb topping.
Why is paprika used in this recipe?
Paprika is dusted over the breadcrumbs to add a touch of color and a subtle flavor boost.
Can I prepare this dish in individual servings?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can divide the scallops among four individual ramekins instead of using a single baking dish.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, which should be crushed to release its flavor into the marinade.
Can I use frozen sea scallops?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe calls for standard breadcrumbs, but you can use Panko for an even crunchier texture.
How much sea scallops does this recipe require?
The recipe is designed for 1 lb of sea scallops.
Is fresh parsley required?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the best results in the marinade.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What is the purpose of the butter in the topping?
The melted butter binds the breadcrumbs together and helps them brown and crisp up under the broiler.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used in the marinade if you prefer its flavor over vegetable oil.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Aside from the 1-hour marinating time, the actual cooking process takes less than 10 minutes.
Should I cover the scallops while they marinate?
Yes, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap while the scallops marinate in the refrigerator.
Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
You can, but bay scallops are smaller and will cook much faster, so you must reduce the broiling time significantly.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish has a savory, herbal flavor with notes of garlic and vermouth, complemented by a rich, buttery, and crunchy crust.
Do I need to remove the side muscle from the scallops?
While not explicitly in the instructions, it is generally recommended to remove the small, tough side muscle from sea scallops before cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to reheat broiled scallops?
Reheat them briefly in the oven or under the broiler to maintain the crispness of the topping without overcooking the scallop.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its elegant presentation and gourmet flavors make it ideal for special occasions or impressing guests.