Broiled Scallops

These broiled scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. The delicate scallops are bathed in melted butter, brightened with fresh lemon juice, and kissed with a hint of garlic salt before being broiled to golden perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth with buttery richness and zesty tang.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy date-night meal, this recipe combines ease and elegance. Whether paired with a light salad, a crusty loaf of bread, or a glass of crisp white wine, these scallops are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds bay scallops
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, or as needed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler to high heat.
2. Rinse scallops thoroughly and place them in a shallow baking pan in a single layer.
3. Drizzle the scallops with melted butter, followed by lemon juice, and sprinkle evenly with garlic salt.
4. Broil the scallops for 6–8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
5. Serve immediately with additional melted butter on the side for dipping if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Kcal: 273 per serving | Servings: 3 servings

Why Choose Broiled Scallops?

Broiled scallops are an exceptional choice for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet sophisticated meal. With their naturally sweet and delicate flavor, scallops pair beautifully with the richness of butter and the zing of fresh lemon juice. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Key Ingredients Explained

• Bay Scallops: These smaller scallops are ideal for broiling as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Make sure to rinse and pat them dry before use to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.
• Butter: Adds a luxurious, rich flavor to the scallops and helps them achieve a beautiful golden color during broiling.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter, adding a fresh, zesty note.
• Garlic Salt: Provides a savory, aromatic depth with a touch of seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Pro Tips for Perfect Scallops

1. Pat Dry Before Cooking: Excess moisture can prevent scallops from browning properly. Use a paper towel to pat them dry before placing them in the baking pan.
2. Do Not Overcook: Scallops cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Broil them for just 6–8 minutes, watching closely.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill after broiling for an extra burst of freshness.
4. Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed right out of the oven to preserve their tender texture and juicy flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sides: Serve these broiled scallops with roasted asparagus, a fresh garden salad, or buttery mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the delicate flavors of the scallops perfectly.
• Sauce Option: While the melted butter and lemon provide enough flavor, you can elevate the dish with a light garlic cream sauce or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Nutrition and Dietary Notes

Each serving of broiled scallops is packed with protein (38g per serving) and essential nutrients like potassium and Vitamin C. This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for keto or low-carb diets. For a healthier twist, use unsalted butter and reduce the amount of garlic salt.

Cooking Variations

• Pan-Seared Scallops: For a golden crust, you can sear the scallops in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil instead of broiling them.
• Herbed Breadcrumb Topping: Add a sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese before broiling for a crunchy topping.
• Spicy Kick: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy variation.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this recipe unique is its simplicity and versatility. It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of buttery richness and fresh lemon flavor makes it a timeless seafood dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

The Origins and Popularity of Scallops

Scallops are a prized seafood delicacy that have been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in coastal regions. Their naturally sweet and tender flavor makes them a favorite in cuisines worldwide, from European fine dining to simple coastal American cooking. Broiling scallops, as opposed to frying or steaming, highlights their natural flavor while keeping the dish light and elegant.

What Makes This Recipe Unique

This broiled scallops recipe is distinguished by its simplicity and focus on fresh, quality ingredients. The preparation method ensures that the scallops are tender and succulent while achieving a golden, slightly crisp exterior. The use of butter and lemon in this recipe enhances the flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the scallops. It’s a technique that can easily be mastered by home cooks and adapted for different occasions.

Ideal Occasions to Serve Broiled Scallops

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Weeknight Dinners: Quick to prepare, it’s a great way to elevate your regular dinner routine.
• Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality seafood dish that doesn’t require hours of preparation.
• Romantic Dinners: The elegance of scallops makes them a favorite for date-night meals.
• Festive Occasions: They can also be served as an appetizer or main course for holiday gatherings or celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes! While bay scallops are smaller and cook quickly, sea scallops are larger and offer a meatier bite. If substituting, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure even broiling.

2. Can I prepare scallops ahead of time?
Scallops are best served fresh and hot. However, you can prep the ingredients (rinse and pat dry scallops, prepare the butter-lemon mixture) ahead of time to save minutes before cooking.

3. What are good substitutions for garlic salt?
If you’re avoiding garlic salt, use fresh minced garlic and a pinch of sea salt. This substitution gives a more natural flavor to the dish.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to prevent overcooking. While scallops are best fresh, they can also be repurposed into other dishes like seafood pasta or risotto.

How to Buy the Best Scallops

To ensure the best results, selecting high-quality scallops is key:

1. Freshness: Look for scallops that smell clean and fresh, with no fishy odor.
2. Dry vs. Wet Scallops: Choose dry-packed scallops (free from added moisture or preservatives) for better caramelization and flavor.
3. Frozen Scallops: If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen scallops can work just as well. Thaw them properly in the refrigerator before cooking.

Serving Presentation Tips

To enhance the visual appeal:

• Plate scallops on a bed of wilted spinach or mixed greens for a pop of color.
• Garnish with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
• Serve in individual gratin dishes to make the meal feel more special.

Fun Fact About Scallops

Did you know that scallops are natural swimmers and use their shells to propel themselves through the water? This unique characteristic is part of what makes their texture so distinctive and their flavor so light and airy.

Conclusion

Broiled scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that perfectly showcases the delicate, sweet flavor of fresh seafood. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, this recipe is ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The buttery richness, combined with the bright zest of lemon and a hint of garlic, creates a balanced flavor profile that’s sure to impress.

This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from light salads to creamy mashed potatoes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or a home cook exploring new recipes, broiled scallops are a must-try dish that brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your table. Simple, delicious, and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.