Name: Lemon Butter Parmesan Baked Scallops Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 t. olive oil; 1-1/2 lbs. large scallops (approximately 22-23 pieces); 1/4 c. butter, softened; 2 T. fresh lemon juice; 1/2 c. parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/4 t. smoked paprika; 1 t. garlic powder; Sea salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the ocean with our delightful Lemon Butter Parmesan Baked Scallops. This simple yet luxurious dish showcases tender succulent scallops, perfectly baked to golden perfection and drenched in a zesty, buttery sauce that tingles the taste buds. The rich layer of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, creating an unparalleled harmony of textures and tastes.

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Whether hosting a dinner party or preparing a romantic meal for two, this recipe will impress and leave your guests clamoring for seconds. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create this seafood masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this gourmet dish in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful golden brown scallops and the buttery sauce taste divine and make for an eye-catching centerpiece on your dining table.
Versatile Pairing Options: This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, from fresh salads to creamy risottos, allowing you to tailor the meal to your preferences.
Elevates Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special event or a cozy dinner at home, these buttery scallops will add a touch of elegance and luxury that will impress your guests and make any meal memorable.

How Do You Prepare Scallops?

Preparing scallops involves a few simple yet essential steps to ensure they remain tender and flavorful. First, start by rinsing the scallops under cold water to remove any grit or sand. Next, pat them dry with a paper towel, as moisture can prevent a good sear during cooking.

It’s important to remove the tough side muscle, known as the “foot,” which can be chewy and detracts from the overall texture. With these initial preparations complete, the scallops are ready to be seasoned and cooked to perfection, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through in your dish.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil adds a distinct flavor while enhancing the overall richness of the dish. Look for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste, as it brings a fruity aroma and depth to your baked scallops.
Large Scallops: Opt for dry scallops free from added preservatives and retain their natural sweetness. When selecting fresh scallops, look for plump and slightly opaque; this guarantees freshness and superior taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred in this recipe. It allows you to control the salt levels while providing a creamy richness. Choose good quality butter for the best results, as it will elevate the dish’s overall mouthfeel.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter and scallops. For the best flavor, choose lemons that feel heavy for their size and have vibrant yellow skin.
Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide a rich, nutty flavor that complements the scallops beautifully. Look for aged Parmesan for depth, and avoid pre-grated varieties, which may contain anti-caking agents.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of sweetness to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile. Choose high-quality smoked paprika to ensure a vibrant color and robust taste.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a convenient way to impart a deep, savory flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic. Opt for a brand that uses pure garlic with no fillers to maintain the intense flavor.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the scallops and the other ingredients. Consider using flaky sea salt for a delightful texture and freshly cracked black pepper for an aromatic touch.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish. Look for parsley with vibrant green leaves to ensure it is fresh and flavourful.

Substitutions and Additions

Olive Oil: If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil makes an excellent substitute due to its high smoke point and mild flavor. For a different taste, consider using melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Large Scallops: If scallops are unavailable, shrimp or lobster tails can be used as alternatives. They offer a similar sweetness and texture that complement the lemon-butter sauce well.
Butter: For a dairy-free option, replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both will still provide a rich mouthfeel and enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh juice is generally preferred for its vibrant taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast is a fantastic vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Alternatively, Pecorino Romano can be used for a stronger, more tangy profile.
Smoked Paprika: Regular sweet paprika can replace smoked paprika if needed, though consider adding a dash of liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness. For a spicy kick, try using cayenne pepper instead.
Garlic Powder: For fresh garlic, use one clove of minced garlic for every teaspoon of garlic powder. Roast the garlic beforehand for a more robust flavour.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: For a twist, experiment with different types of salt, such as Himalayan or infused sea salt. For added flavor, consider using lemon pepper seasoning.
Fresh Parsley: If fresh parsley isn’t on hand, fresh basil or chives can provide a similar herby freshness. Dried herbs can be used as well, remember to reduce the amount as they are more concentrated.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with one teaspoon of olive oil.

Rinse the scallops and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer within the baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon a generous dollop of the lemon parmesan mixture onto each scallop. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven until the scallops are fully cooked and opaque, which should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on their size.

Carefully remove the scallops from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Switch the oven to broil and place the scallops back inside. Broil them for 2-3 minutes, or until the tops are perfectly golden-brown and crispy. Stay close to the oven, as scallops can burn quickly—monitor them attentively.

Take the perfect baked scallops out of the oven and garnish them with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve promptly, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor if desired.

Recipe Tips

Choose the Right Size Scallops: For optimal cooking, choose uniform sizes to ensure even cooking throughout. Larger scallops will take longer to cook, while smaller ones may cook more quickly.
Do Not Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Arrange scallops in a single layer with space between them to allow for proper heat circulation, which helps achieve a nice sear when broiling.
Let Scallops Come to Room Temperature: Allow scallops to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the scallops inside. This helps create a nice crust during broiling.
Use a Meat Thermometer. Checking the internal temperature can prevent overcooking. For optimal juiciness, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F when cooking scallops.
Experiment with Flavourings: To elevate the flavor profile even further, feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to the mixture, such as lemon zest, thyme, or dill.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful baked scallops dish pairs beautifully with various sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the flavors of the scallops:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery garlic mashed potatoes are an excellent side dish that balances the richness of the scallops while enhancing the overall taste experience.
Steamed Asparagus: A vibrant green vegetable like steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch and a touch of color to the plate. Drizzling it lightly with lemon juice can tie the flavors together beautifully.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich scallops, making for a delightful combination.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can serve as a light, healthy accompaniment, allowing the scallops to remain the meal’s star.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious lemon-butter sauce left on the plate—perfect for a satisfying finish.

Storage & Reheating

To store the baked scallops, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. To freeze, place the cooled scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet, wrap them tightly after they’ve firmed up, and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain quality for up to 3 months.

When it comes to reheating, it’s important to be gentle to avoid overcooking. If reheating from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scallops in an oven-safe dish, covering loosely with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. It’s best to thaw frozen scallops overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, using short intervals at medium power, checking frequently to ensure they don’t become rubbery.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. However, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.

How can I tell when scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are cooked when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. For optimal juiciness, their internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C).

What should I do if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, which will offer a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the scallops are best fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the lemon parmesan mixture and pre-arrange the scallops in the baking dish ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

What wine pairs well with baked scallops?

A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Chardonnay, pairs excellently with baked scallops, complementing the dish’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Yield: 4 portions