Description of this recipe: This recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to prepare succulent sea scallops. Broiling enhances their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, making it a perfect appetizer or light main course.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll love this broiled scallops recipe for its speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. The garlic butter sauce complements the delicate scallops perfectly, and the Parmesan cheese adds a delightful savory touch. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Introduction
Scallops are a true delicacy from the sea, known for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. While they can be prepared in various ways – pan-seared, grilled, baked, or even raw – broiling is one of the quickest and easiest methods to achieve a beautifully cooked scallop. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the scallops by pairing them with a simple yet flavorful garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Broiling ensures a perfectly caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to cooking scallops, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and exquisite taste. Preparing these broiled scallops is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating a culinary experience that elevates a simple ingredient to something truly special. From the moment the garlic butter sizzles under the broiler, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, to the moment you take that first bite of tender, flavorful scallop, you’ll understand why this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, or even a special occasion. This recipe is designed to be approachable and adaptable. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or experimenting with different herbs. The key is to use high-quality sea scallops and to not overcook them. Overcooked scallops can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired golden-brown crust. Make sure your broiler is properly preheated to ensure the scallops cook quickly and evenly. Positioning the rack correctly prevents the scallops from burning on top while remaining undercooked in the center.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This is your flavor base, so make sure all the ingredients are well combined. The melted butter acts as a carrier for the other flavors, allowing them to coat the scallops evenly. Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder. Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the butter. The paprika contributes a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
Step 3: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a broiler-safe dish. Ensure the scallops are not overcrowded, as this can prevent them from browning properly. A broiler-safe dish, such as a ceramic baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, is essential to withstand the high heat of the broiler. Arrange the scallops in a single layer to ensure that each one is exposed to the heat and cooks evenly. Overcrowding the dish can also cause the scallops to steam rather than broil, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Step 4: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the scallops. Make sure each scallop is well coated with the flavorful butter mixture. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each scallop, ensuring that they are well coated. This will infuse the scallops with flavor and help them to brown beautifully under the broiler.
Step 5: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The Parmesan cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy crust. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese may contain cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the scallops, ensuring that each one gets a generous coating.
Step 6: Broil for 6-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scallops are opaque in the center. Keep a close eye on the scallops, as they can cook quickly under the broiler. Broiling time may vary depending on the strength of your broiler and the size of the scallops. Start checking for doneness after 6 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The scallops are done when they are opaque in the center and have a golden-brown crust on top. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon wedges provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the scallops. Fresh parsley should be finely chopped for even distribution. Serve the broiled scallops immediately while they are still hot and tender. Lemon wedges can be squeezed over the scallops for an extra burst of flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these broiled scallops as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a light main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. They also pair well with pasta or rice.
Tips:
- Use high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the scallops dry before cooking to ensure they brown properly.
- Do not overcook the scallops, as they can become rubbery.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
8 minutes
Total Time:
13 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 250 Protein: 25g Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
Broiled Scallops offer a fast, flavorful, and impressive way to enjoy this seafood delicacy. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. The combination of sweet scallops, garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your broiler, and get ready to savor the taste of perfectly broiled scallops. This recipe is a testament to the fact that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques to create a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. The broiling method is particularly well-suited for scallops because it cooks them quickly and evenly, preserving their delicate texture and flavor. The garlic butter sauce adds a layer of richness and complexity that complements the scallops perfectly. And the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, savory counterpoint that ties everything together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your own taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to create your own unique version. The possibilities are endless.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
A: While you can use bay scallops, keep in mind that they are smaller and will cook much faster than sea scallops. Reduce the broiling time accordingly, and watch them closely to prevent overcooking. Bay scallops also have a slightly different flavor profile, being a bit sweeter and more delicate than sea scallops.
Q2: What if I don’t have a broiler? Can I cook these another way?
A: Yes, you can pan-sear the scallops instead. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the scallops in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the scallops to steam rather than sear.
Q3: Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature or slightly warm it before brushing it over the scallops. This will allow it to spread more easily and ensure that the scallops are evenly coated.
Q4: What is the best way to pat the scallops dry?
A: The best way to pat the scallops dry is to use paper towels. Gently press the paper towels against the scallops to absorb any excess moisture. This is important because excess moisture can prevent the scallops from browning properly and can also cause them to steam rather than broil.
Q5: Can I add other herbs to the garlic butter mixture?
A: Yes, definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Some good options include thyme, oregano, rosemary, or chives. Add a teaspoon or two of your favorite dried herbs to the garlic butter mixture, or use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just be sure to chop the fresh herbs finely before adding them to the mixture.
