Baked Scallops Recipe

Scallops: These are the star of the dish, providing a sweet and tender seafood flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture to the topping, absorbing the flavors of the butter and seasonings.

Parmesan cheese: Offers a rich, nutty flavor that complements the scallops perfectly.

Butter: Melted butter helps to bind the topping ingredients and adds a luscious richness.

Lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the scallops and the topping.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish.

When preparing scallops, ensure they are thoroughly dried with a paper towel before placing them in the baking dish. This helps to achieve a better texture and prevents the breadcrumb mixture from becoming soggy. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with a bit of butter before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will give the topping a richer, nuttier taste.

• scallops - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to scallops in baked dishes.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for Parmesan.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and moisture to the dish while adding a slightly different flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to parsley.

• Allow the baked scallops to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumb topping soggy.

• Transfer the cooled scallops to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between them to maintain the integrity of the breadcrumb mixture.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. Baked scallops can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness, consume them within this timeframe.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• For freezing, place the cooled baked scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other to avoid sticking.

• Freeze the scallops on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid. This step, known as flash freezing, helps maintain their shape and texture.

• Once frozen, transfer the scallops to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.

• Baked scallops can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best quality, try to use them within this period.

• To reheat frozen scallops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumb topping.

• Avoid microwaving the scallops as it can make them rubbery and the breadcrumb mixture soggy.

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the scallops in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the scallops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For a stovetop method, melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the scallops and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

• To retain the crispy topping, use a broiler. Preheat the broiler on low. Place the scallops on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

• Oven: Used to bake the scallops at the required temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking dish: Holds the scallops and the breadcrumb mixture while baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Knife: Used to chop the parsley for garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the parsley.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.

• Lemon squeezer: Extracts juice from the lemon efficiently.

• Small bowl: Used to melt the butter before mixing it with other ingredients.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-melted butter: Save time by using pre-melted butter or melting it in the microwave while you prep other ingredients.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping to ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time you're ready to bake.

Opt for pre-cleaned scallops: Purchase pre-cleaned scallops to avoid the hassle of cleaning them yourself.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine breadcrumb mixture ingredients in a food processor for a more efficient prep.