Baked Sea Scallops Recipe

Sea scallops: These are the main ingredient, known for their sweet and delicate flavor.

Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the scallops.

Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy texture to the topping.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops and adds a bright, tangy flavor.

Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle garlic flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth.

When preparing sea scallops, ensure they are thoroughly patted dry with a paper towel before placing them in the baking dish. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the breadcrumb mixture to adhere better and ensuring a crispier topping.

• sea scallops - Substitute with large shrimp: Large shrimp have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative to sea scallops.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and healthy fats, making it a suitable replacement for melted butter.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to panko breadcrumbs.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for parmesan cheese.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.

• chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for parsley.

• garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile, making it a good alternative to black pepper.

• Allow the baked sea scallops to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumb topping soggy.

• Transfer the cooled scallops to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to keep the scallops from sticking together.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The baked sea scallops will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best results, consume them within this time frame.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• If you wish to freeze the baked sea scallops, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the scallops to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Frozen baked sea scallops can be stored for up to 3 months. For optimal taste and texture, try to use them within this period.

• To thaw, transfer the scallops to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

• Reheat thawed scallops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to maintain moisture.

• For a quick reheat, you can also use a microwave. Place the scallops on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked sea scallops in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the scallops are warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the scallops rubbery.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy the revived flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover scallops in the skillet.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture.
  5. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the scallops are warmed through.
  6. Serve immediately for a quick and delicious meal.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover baked sea scallops on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the scallops are warmed through.
  5. Serve immediately for a convenient and quick option.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover scallops in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the scallops are heated through.
  4. Serve immediately to enjoy the moist and tender scallops.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked sea scallops in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.
  4. Serve immediately for a crispy and delicious reheated dish.

• Oven: Used to bake the scallops at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the sea scallops while they bake, ensuring even cooking.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like butter, breadcrumbs, and cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: Needed to chop the parsley finely.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping parsley.

• Spoon: Used to mix the ingredients in the small bowl and to sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it once the scallops are done.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the baked sea scallops immediately after they are done cooking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and chop all ingredients like parsley and lemon juice before starting to cook.

Use pre-grated cheese: Save time by using pre-grated parmesan cheese instead of grating it yourself.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven to preheat while you prepare the scallops and breadcrumb mixture.

Use a food processor: Speed up chopping parsley by using a food processor.