How to Cook Scallops in the Oven

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oven cooked scallops topped with cheese
Photo by whologwhy licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Scallops are a delicious and versatile seafood that can be prepared in various ways, including baking them in the oven. This method results in tender and succulent scallops with a lovely flavor. 

Oven Baked Scallops

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of fresh scallops
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a baking dish, combine the scallops, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the scallops evenly.
  4. Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are opaque and tender.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 157

Protein: 19g

Fat: 7g

Carbohydrates: 4g

Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 0g

Crispy Baked Scallops

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of fresh scallops
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip each scallop into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it to coat evenly. Place the coated scallops on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked and the coating is crispy and golden.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 274

Protein: 24g

Fat: 12g

Carbohydrates: 16g

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Recipe Variations

  • You can add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
  • Try drizzling a bit of lemon butter sauce over the scallops before serving.
  • For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating. These ingredients also add color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the scallops over a bed of mixed greens or with a side of steamed vegetables.
  • They pair well with a lemon or garlic aioli sauce for dipping.
  • Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a delightful seafood dinner.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Oven-baked scallops are a fantastic way to enjoy this delicate seafood without the need for frying. Whether you prefer the tender and juicy Traditional Oven Baked Scallops or the crispy and flavorful Crispy Baked Scallops recipe, both dishes are sure to please your palate. Don’t forget to explore different variations and serving options to make them your own. Enjoy your homemade scallop dish!