If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegant, easy, and packed with flavor, look no further! These Crispy Baked Scallops are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re perfect for a special dinner, a quick weeknight treat, or even as a stunning appetizer for guests. Plus, they’re baked, so you get all that crispy goodness without the hassle of frying. Trust me, these scallops are about to be your new favorite way to enjoy seafood!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Elegant: Crispy Baked Scallops look and taste like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant—but they’re incredibly easy to make at home.
Perfectly Crispy: With a light breading and the magic of baking, these scallops come out perfectly crisp and golden.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want something impressive.
Versatile: Pair these with a fresh salad, pasta, or serve them as an appetizer. You can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences too.
Healthy: Baked, not fried! These scallops are light and guilt-free, yet full of flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, delicious scallops:
Sea Scallops: The star of the show. Fresh, plump, and tender.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the scallops.
Garlic Powder: For a little punch of flavor.
Lemon Zest: Bright and refreshing—adds a pop of citrusy freshness.
Butter: For that rich, golden finish.
Parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and freshness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This will ensure that your scallops bake perfectly and get that crispy exterior.
Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the oven.
Season and Coat: In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Dip each scallop into melted butter, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated scallops on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, so they can bake evenly.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the scallops are golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on them—they bake quickly!
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Scallops
With a Fresh Salad: Serve these scallops on a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy meal.
With Pasta: They pair beautifully with pasta dishes like garlic butter spaghetti or a light lemon pasta.
As an Appetizer: Perfect for serving as a starter at dinner parties or special occasions.
With a Creamy Dipping Sauce: Pair with a tangy tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or a simple garlic butter dip.
Additional Tips
Dry the Scallops Well: The drier the scallops, the crispier they’ll bake. Pat them thoroughly with a paper towel before coating.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, panko is the way to go. It makes the scallops so light and crispy!
Don’t Overcrowd: Space out your scallops on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and get that nice, golden crust.
Add Some Spice: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These scallops hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days, so they’re great for meal prep.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen scallops?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before using.
Q2: Can I make this recipe with other seafood?
A2: Absolutely! Shrimp or even fish fillets would work great with this breadcrumb coating.
Q3: Can I prepare these scallops ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can coat the scallops and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake them right before serving.
Q4: How do I know when the scallops are done?
A4: The scallops should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. If they’re overcooked, they’ll become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
Q5: What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
A5: You can use any grated cheese you like, such as Romano or Asiago.
Q6: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A6: Panko gives the scallops that perfect crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work as well if that’s all you have.
Q7: Can I make these scallops without butter?
A7: Yes, you can use olive oil or another oil of your choice as a substitute.
Q8: How can I make these scallops spicier?
A8: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Q9: Can I freeze these scallops?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the baked scallops. Just store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q10: What should I serve with these crispy baked scallops?
A10: These scallops are great with pasta, roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Scallops are an absolute treat—easy, quick, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special meal or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with that perfect crunch and tender inside.
Print
Crispy Baked Scallops
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
Delicious and perfectly crispy baked scallops with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating. A simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a seafood appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat Scallops: Dredge each scallop in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure even coating.
- Bake: Arrange the coated scallops on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Scallops: Fresh scallops will give the best flavor and texture.
- Pat Scallops Dry: Be sure to pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the scallops in a single layer for even cooking.
- Seasoning Variations: Add red pepper flakes, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 35mg