Description

Baked scallops are an elegant yet simple dish that combines tender, buttery scallops with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. With a touch of garlic and a burst of fresh lemon, this dish feels luxurious but is incredibly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a romantic dinner, entertaining guests, or a delightful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (12-16 medium) dry sea scallops
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice (divided)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Drizzle olive oil in an 8×8-inch baking dish, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated.

2. Prepare the Scallops

If the scallops have the side muscle attached, gently peel it off.
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for even cooking.
Season the scallops with half of the kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Breadcrumb Topping

Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and panko breadcrumbs, cooking until fragrant and lightly toasted (about 2 minutes).
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Dish

Drizzle half the lemon juice over the scallops.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops, ensuring each one is well-coated.

5. Bake the Scallops

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch.
For a crispier topping, broil the scallops for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Use dry sea scallops for the best caramelization and texture.
Avoid overcooking to keep the scallops tender and juicy.
For gluten-free breadcrumbs, substitute with your favorite gluten-free alternative.
Make the breadcrumb topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for easy preparation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Seafood