Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a small baking dish, a pie plate, or a small cast-iron skillet like the one featured in .
- The Golden Rule (Dry the Scallops): Place your scallops on a plate lined with paper towels. Use another paper towel to thoroughly press and pat the tops and sides until they are completely dry to the touch. If your scallops have a small, tough muscle attached to the side, simply pinch and peel it off before drying. 🛑
- Mix the Liquid Gold: In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and your onion powder or paprika.
- Arrange the Dish: Pour about 1 tablespoon of your garlic butter mixture into the bottom of your baking dish to coat it. Arrange the dried scallops in a single layer, spacing them out slightly just like the layout in .
- Drizzle and Crown: Spoon the remaining garlic butter evenly over the tops of each scallop. If you are using it, sprinkle a very light dust of grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an enhanced savory crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the hot oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes (depending on the thickness of your scallops). They should change from translucent to opaque.
- The Broiler Sear: Turn your oven to BROIL for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch them like a hawk! You want the tops to turn a stunning, bubbly golden-brown, matching the picture-perfect finish in .
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot right out of the skillet with plenty of crusty bread to dip into that luxurious sauce! 🍽️🎉
