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Perfect Baked Scallops: Best Date Night Seafood Recipe

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Rich, nutty, and elegant baked scallops bathed in a lemon-butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality texture and flavor, perfect for a romantic date night or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds dry-packed sea scallops
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Remove the small side muscle if attached. Arrange scallops in a single layer in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbly and slightly nutty. Pour melted butter evenly over the scallops.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper over the scallops. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until scallops are opaque and firm to the touch.
  6. Remove from oven. Pour white wine and lemon juice around the scallops. Return to oven for 1-2 minutes to reduce sauce slightly.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure scallops are dry-packed and patted very dry to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan. Serve immediately as scallops continue to cook from residual heat. If using wet-packed scallops, pat them extremely dry before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked scallops, date night dinner, seafood recipe, lemon butter sauce, easy seafood, dry-packed scallops, romantic dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/perfect-baked-scallops-best-date-night-seafood-recipe/