Savory Herbed Scallops Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Savory Herbed Scallops Delight, where tender sea scallops meet a luscious buttery herb blend. This dish, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, showcases the natural sweetness of scallops enhanced by aromatic Italian parsley and basil. With minimal prep time and straightforward baking, you can impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful seafood dish in just under an hour. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
1 lb (fresh or thawed if frozen)
butter
3 tablespoons (diced)
Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (crushed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
If using frozen scallops, ensure they are completely thawed before proceeding.
3
Place the scallops in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.
4
Dot the scallops generously with butter or margarine, allowing it to melt into the dish.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped Italian parsley (or cilantro), crushed dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6
Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring each one is coated.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, allowing the scallops to begin cooking.
8
After 5 minutes, carefully stir the scallops to coat them in the melted butter and herbs.
9
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the scallops are tender and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herbed Scallops Delight?
It is an elegant seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops baked with a luscious buttery herb blend of parsley and basil.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 6 ingredients including sea scallops, butter, herbs, and seasonings.
What are the main ingredients for the scallops?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of sea scallops, 3 tablespoons of butter, Italian parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
What kind of scallops should I buy?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sea scallops, which can be fresh or thawed if they were previously frozen.
Can frozen scallops be used?
Yes, frozen scallops can be used as long as they are completely thawed before you begin the preparation.
How should frozen scallops be prepared?
If using frozen scallops, ensure they are fully thawed and then follow the standard instructions for fresh scallops.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start baking the scallops.
How should the scallops be placed in the pan?
Arrange the scallops in a single layer within a shallow baking dish for even cooking.
How do I apply the butter?
Dot the scallops generously with 3 tablespoons of diced butter or margarine, allowing it to melt into the dish.
Which herbs are used for the seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley and 1 tablespoon of crushed dried basil.
Is there a substitute for Italian parsley?
Yes, you can use chopped cilantro as a substitute for Italian parsley if you prefer.
What seasonings are added to the herbs?
The herb mixture is combined with salt and pepper to taste before being applied to the scallops.
How do I apply the herb mixture?
Sprinkle the combined herb and seasoning mixture evenly over the scallops to ensure each one is coated.
How long is the first stage of baking?
The scallops should first bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
What should I do after the first 5 minutes of baking?
Carefully stir the scallops to ensure they are well coated in the melted butter and herbs.
How much longer do they bake after stirring?
After stirring, return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I identify when the scallops are fully cooked?
The scallops are done when they appear opaque and have a tender texture.
What happens if scallops are overcooked?
Overcooking scallops can make them tough and rubbery, so it is important to check them for opacity and stop cooking immediately.
Is this dish appropriate for a romantic dinner?
Yes, this dish is specifically noted as being perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
How much time does the recipe take total?
The entire preparation and baking process can be completed in just under 60 minutes.
What are good serving suggestions?
It is recommended to serve the scallops with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
What type of dish is best for baking?
A shallow baking dish is best to allow the scallops to cook evenly in a single layer.
How should the dried basil be prepared?
The dried basil should be crushed before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What is the preparation for the Italian parsley?
The Italian parsley should be chopped fresh before being added to the herb mixture.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, this is an easy recipe with straightforward instructions and minimal prep work.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dish?
The dish features the natural sweetness of sea scallops enhanced by a savory, aromatic butter and herb blend.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste, according to your personal preference.
Is this a fast meal option?
Yes, with minimal prep and a bake time under 25 minutes, it is considered a quick meal.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of diced butter or margarine.
What is the first instruction?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).