There’s something truly special about the transformation that happens in the kitchen when you broil scallops. As I stood by the oven, the rich scent of garlic butter filled the air, inviting my family to gather around the table. In just 20 minutes, these plump, golden-brown morsels emerge, promising a delightful seafood experience without the fuss.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this Easy Garlic Butter Broiled Scallops recipe is a low-carb delight that’s sure to impress. Imagine the satisfying crunch as you bite into each scallop, followed by the tender, juicy interior bathing in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Preparing an elegant dish has never been more simple or quick! Whether you’re shaking up your weeknight routine or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is your answer. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of seafood!
Why are Broiled Scallops a Must-Try?
Unmatched Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive for seasoned chefs.
Time-Saving Wonder: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce envelops each scallop, creating a rich, savory flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
Low-Carb Goodness: Ideal for those watching their carbs, these scallops are a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or excitement.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfectly broiled scallops are sure to impress everyone at the table, making it a delightful dish for gatherings.
Make your mealtime special with this quick and delicious option!
Broiled Scallops Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melted Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Lemon Juice – Provides acidity and brightness; freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Gives a subtle garlic flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used instead for a more intense taste.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavors; adjust based on dietary needs.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds warmth and spice; can be replaced with white pepper for a milder taste.
For the Scallops
- Sea Scallops – The main ingredient, offering a sweet, delicate seafood flavor; ensure they are properly cleaned and dried before cooking.
- Freshly Minced Parsley – For garnish and added freshness; optional but recommended.
- Lemon Wedges – For serving and extra zest; enhances flavor when squeezed over the scallops.
Get ready to savor these Broiled Scallops with a delicious garlic butter sauce that will elevate your mealtime!
How to Make Broiled Scallops
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to broil. Position the rack in the middle to ensure even cooking, allowing that golden brown color to develop.
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Mix sauce: In a medium bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until well blended, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Prepare pan: Line a medium sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place the cleaned and dried sea scallops on the pan, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over them.
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Broil first time: Broil the scallops for about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they begin to cook; you want them to start turning opaque.
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Add more sauce: Remove the pan from the oven, then drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the scallops for that extra punch of flavor.
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Broil second time: Return the pan to the oven and broil for an additional 1 to 4 minutes. Watch closely until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the scallops are cooked through.
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Serve warm: Plate the scallops immediately and garnish with freshly minced parsley and lemon wedges. The lemon adds a delightful zest when squeezed over.
Optional: Serve with a light salad or herbed pasta for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Broiled Scallops
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Choose Fresh Scallops: Always opt for fresh or frozen sea scallops over previously frozen ones for superior flavor and texture.
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Preheat Properly: Ensure your broiler is fully preheated to about 500°F before placing the scallops in; this helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange scallops in a single layer on the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of broiling, affecting the final texture.
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Watch the Clock: Keep a close eye during the second broil. Scallops cook quickly, and even a minute too long can lead to rubbery results.
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Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve these broiled scallops immediately after cooking. They are divine fresh from the oven!
Storage Tips for Broiled Scallops
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Fridge: Store leftover broiled scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure they’re sealed well to retain their moisture and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, note that freezing may affect their texture when reheated.
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Reheating: To enjoy your stored broiled scallops, reheat them by broiling for 30–60 seconds. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, being careful not to overcook them to maintain their juicy goodness.
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Serving Tip: Always serve broiled scallops with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance their flavor after reheating.
What to Serve with Broiled Scallops?
Creating a delightful meal is easy when you pair these flavorful scallops with the right sides.
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Garlicky Green Beans: The vibrant crunch of these tender green beans, tossed in a hint of garlic, complements the buttery richness of the scallops beautifully.
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Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa with a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds an earthy note, making for a satisfying base that soaks up the garlic butter.
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Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to perfection, these sprouts deliver a delightful crispy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the scallops.
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Zesty Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly crisp cucumbers dressed in lemon vinaigrette provide a bright contrast to the savory scallops, making for an ideal palate cleanser.
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Creamy Lemon Risotto: This creamy risotto not only elevates the dining experience but also harmonizes wonderfully with the scallops, creating a luscious, mouthwatering bite.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay creates a splendid pairing, with its bright acidity complementing the rich flavors of broiled scallops while enhancing the overall meal experience.
Each of these options enhances the rich, buttery taste of your broiled scallops, making your meal an unforgettable one!
Broiled Scallops Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to personalize your culinary masterpiece and make it uniquely yours with these delightful ideas!
- Olive Oil: Swap melted butter for olive oil for a lighter version that adds a fruity note. It still keeps the rich flavor without the heaviness!
- Herb Twist: Try adding fresh thyme or dill to the garlic butter sauce for an aromatic boost that complements the scallops beautifully. A little greenery enhances both flavor and presentation.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the butter for a mild heat that warms the palate. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of a kick!
- Cheesy Delight: Blend in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce for a savory, cheesy twist that melts into the scallops. This addition elevates the dish to indulgent territory!
- Citrus Zing: Use orange juice instead of lemon for a sweet citrus flavor that pairs surprisingly well with seafood. The bright notes offer a refreshing change for your taste buds!
- Broiler Alternative: If you don’t have access to a broiler, you can pan-sear the scallops in a hot skillet for a golden crust, finishing them with the butter sauce. They’ll still be delicious, just with a different method!
- Bacon Infusion: Add crumbled crispy bacon atop the scallops just before serving for a smoky crunch that elevates the dish to another level. This savory addition makes for an irresistible flavor combination!
- Nutty Flavor: Finish with chopped toasted almonds or pine nuts for a delightful crunch and added flavor twist. It’s an unexpected treat that adds wonderful texture to every bite!
Transform your Broiled Scallops into your own signature dish with these fun variations!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Garlic Butter Broiled Scallops are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dish even on the busiest of nights! You can clean and dry the scallops up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them on a plate covered with plastic wrap to maintain their freshness. Additionally, the garlic butter sauce can be mixed and stored in an airtight container ahead of time, making dinner come together in just moments. When you’re ready to serve, just broil the scallops for about 6 minutes, drizzle on the reserved sauce, and broil for an additional 1 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This way, you get to savor restaurant-quality broiled scallops with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Easy Garlic Butter Broiled Scallops Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting sea scallops?
Absolutely! When choosing sea scallops, look for those that are firm and slightly moist, with a translucent appearance. Avoid scallops that have dark spots or a fishy smell, which could signify they are not fresh. If possible, ask your seafood market for day-fresh scallops for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover broiled scallops?
Leftover broiled scallops can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure they are sealed well to retain their moisture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months, but note that freezing may slightly alter their texture once reheated.
Can I freeze broiled scallops and how do I reheat them?
Absolutely, freezing broiled scallops is an option! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with parchment paper layered between scallops to prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat the scallops by broiling for 30–60 seconds until warmed through, or use the microwave for about 15-30 seconds. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep their tender inside!
What are some common mistakes when broiling scallops?
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan; this can lead to steaming instead of broiling, which can result in a rubbery texture. It’s also crucial to ensure your broiler is adequately preheated to around 500°F. Lastly, keep a close eye on the cooking time—scallops cook quickly, and you don’t want to overdo it and compromise texture.
Can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute melted unsalted butter with olive oil. Also, those with garlic allergies can experiment with garlic powder alternatives, like shallot powder, for a different flavor profile. For those on a low-sodium diet, simply adjust the amount of salt used in the garlic butter mix.
What sauce complements broiled scallops?
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is perfect for adding zest and enhancing the natural sweetness of scallops. You can also drizzle them with a simple herb sauce, made from parsley, olive oil, and a pinch of salt, to elevate the flavor even more. Enjoy experimenting!
Savor Easy Broiled Scallops in 20 Minutes Flat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to broil, positioning the rack in the middle.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Line a medium sheet pan with aluminum foil and arrange the scallops evenly.
- Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over the scallops.
- Broil the scallops for about 6 minutes until they start turning opaque.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the scallops.
- Return to the oven and broil for an additional 1 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Plate the scallops, garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.