Heavenly Baked Scallops Recipe: Ocean-Fresh Delight Made Simple

Creamy, luxurious baked scallops offer a delightful seafood experience that will make you feel like a gourmet chef.

Marine creatures with delicate textures deserve careful preparation and thoughtful seasoning.

Succulent morsels melt in your mouth, promising an elegant dinner option.

Professional kitchens might charge premium prices for such sophisticated dishes, but you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home.

Remarkable ingredients like fresh scallops, herbs, and butter combine to create a memorable culinary adventure.

Each bite promises rich, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Dive into this simple yet impressive recipe and impress everyone around your dinner table.

Highlights of Baked Scallops You’ll Appreciate

• Sail Through Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing even beginners to create a restaurant-worthy seafood dish.
• Ocean-to-Table Freshness: Showcasing premium scallops with a crispy, herbed breadcrumb topping, this recipe delivers an elegant yet approachable seafood experience that feels both gourmet and comforting.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a stunning meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu entertaining with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor impact.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions from casual family meals to sophisticated dinner parties, the recipe offers a delightful blend of crispy texture and succulent seafood that appeals to diverse palates.

Baked Scallops Essentials

• Scallops: Ocean-fresh seafood perfect for baking.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for the dish.
• Oregano, Parsley: Fresh herbs adding aromatic depth.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy, golden topping for texture and flavor.

• Olive Oil Spray: Light coating for the baking dish.
• Butter, White Wine, Lemon Juice: Moisture and bright, rich flavor base.

Baked Scallops Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and give your baking dish a light olive oil spray coating.

Step 2: Prepare The Ocean Treasures

Gently dry the scallops with paper towels, then give them a quick oil spritz and a light salt sprinkle.

Step 3: Create A Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Remaining salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until well blended.

Step 4: Arrange Your Seafood Masterpiece

Place the scallops in the prepared baking dish and generously coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5: Add Liquid Magic

• Fresh lemon juice
• Melted butter
• White wine

Pour this flavorful liquid over the scallops.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the scallops turn opaque. Switch to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 7: Final Touch And Serve

Squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the top and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Baking Help for Golden Baked Scallops

• Ensure Moisture-Free Scallops: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Balance Breadcrumb Coating: Gently press panko mixture onto scallops to create an even, crispy layer that adheres well and provides delightful texture.
• Optimize Baking Timing: Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking, as scallops turn rubbery when done too long.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops and freshly grated Parmesan for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish more inclusive.

Store And Reheat Baked Scallops With Ease

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Wrap cooled scallops securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Place scallops on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place scallops in a baking dish with a splash of white wine or broth. Cover with foil and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, preserving moisture and preventing dryness.

Great Sips and Sides for Baked Scallops

• Sip Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, zesty white wine perfectly complements the delicate scallop flavor with its citrusy notes and clean finish.
• Pair with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy grain side dish echoes the herb seasonings in the breadcrumb topping and provides a nutritious accompaniment.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus: Tender green vegetable with slight char matches the golden brown scallop crust and adds elegant vegetable element to the plate.
• Match with Lemon Butter Sauce: Extra drizzle of buttery, tangy sauce enhances the seafood's natural sweetness and reinforces the recipe's bright Mediterranean-style profile.

Baked Scallop Prep and Flavor Changes

• Gluten-Free Scallops: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crispy, celiac-friendly coating.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based butter to create a lactose-free version that's equally flavorful.
• Low-Carb Seafood Bake: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped nuts to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like dill, thyme, or tarragon instead of parsley and oregano to create unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for this baked scallops recipe?

The key ingredients are fresh sea scallops, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, olive oil spray, butter, white wine, and lemon juice.

• How do I know if my scallops are cooked perfectly?

Look for scallops that turn opaque white and become slightly firm. They should be just cooked through but still tender, which takes about 15 minutes in the oven.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat them very dry. Fresh scallops are ideal, but frozen can work well if properly prepared and excess moisture is removed.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make these baked scallops?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic kitchen skills like mixing ingredients, seasoning, and following simple baking instructions.

Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Scallops elevate seafood elegance with a golden, buttery crust that whispers Mediterranean charm. Delicate shellfish nestled in herb-infused breadcrumbs promise a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Scallops:

• 16 large sea scallops (about 1 pound / 454 grams)

Coating:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) panko crumbs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquids:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 1/2 tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) melted unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white wine

Cooking Spray:

• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 400°F, coating an 8 x 10-inch baking vessel with a delicate mist of olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Meticulously blot the ocean-fresh scallops using paper towels, ensuring they’re completely moisture-free for optimal caramelization.
3. Gently massage a light coating of oil onto the scallops, then sprinkle with a whisper of salt to enhance their natural maritime essence.
4. In a mixing bowl, artfully combine crunchy panko crumbs, aged Parmesan cheese, vibrant chopped parsley, aromatic oregano, remaining salt, and a pinch of freshly ground pepper to create a flavor-packed coating.
5. Carefully position the scallops in the prepared baking dish, creating a harmonious arrangement that allows even cooking.
6. Lavishly shower the scallops with the prepared breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously covered.
7. Craft a luxurious liquid blend by whisking together bright lemon juice, rich melted butter, and a splash of crisp white wine.
8. Delicately cascade the wine mixture over the adorned scallops, allowing the flavors to mingle and penetrate.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the scallops to transform for approximately 15 minutes until they turn perfectly opaque.
10. Activate the broiler for a final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully as the top turns a mesmerizing golden-brown hue.
11. Remove from the oven and elevate the dish with a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice, bringing a bright, citrusy finish.
12. Serve immediately, presenting a stunning oceanic delicacy that promises to tantalize the taste buds.

Notes

• Pat scallops super dry to achieve a perfect golden crust without excess water ruining the texture.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a skillet before mixing to enhance their crunchiness and nutty flavor.
• Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate scallop flavor without overpowering it.
• Swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg