Garlic Butter Baked Scallops (Print version)

Tender sea scallops baked in garlic butter with lemon, parsley, Parmesan, and a crisp golden panko topping.

# Ingredients:

For the scallops

01 - 1 lb (450 g) large dry sea scallops, side muscles removed
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for the baking dish

For the garlic butter

05 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the topping

10 - 1/2 cup (35 g) panko breadcrumbs
11 - 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly butter a shallow 8-inch baking dish or another small baking dish that holds the scallops in one layer.
02 - Remove any tough side muscles from the scallops. Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
03 - In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon parsley.
04 - In another bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan, olive oil, and remaining parsley. Stir until the crumbs are lightly moistened.
05 - Arrange the scallops in the baking dish in a single layer. Spoon the garlic butter over them, then sprinkle the panko mixture evenly on top.
06 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and just firm. Broil for 1-2 minutes if needed to brown the topping. Serve right away with lemon wedges.

# Good to know:

01 - Use dry sea scallops for the best texture and least extra liquid.
02 - Best served immediately while the topping is crisp.
03 - Broil briefly at the end only if the crumbs need more color.