How To Bake Scallops In The Oven

If you are thinking about cooking scallops, the first step that you need to focus on is choosing the right scallops. This ensures the best results. So, while selecting scallops for cooking, it is better to consider the following tips to ensure you are getting the best quality:

1. Freshness

You should look for scallops that smell clean and slightly sweet, like the ocean. Kindly avoid any with a strong fishy odor, as this can indicate they are not fresh.

2. Color

Scallops should have a creamy white, beige, or light pink color. So, it is better to avoid very white scallops, as they may have been treated with chemicals such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to retain moisture. Likewise, natural scallops have a slightly off-white or light pink hue.

3. Dry vs. Wet

You should go for "dry" scallops, which are not treated with preservatives. They have a firmer texture and sear better than "wet" scallops, which are soaked in a phosphate solution that can make them absorb water and become mushy when cooked.

4. Size

It is better to choose scallops based on the recipe you are following. Larger scallops, called "sea scallops," are often ideal for searing, while smaller "bay scallops" are often used in dishes such as pasta or stews.

5. Texture

Fresh scallops should be firm to the touch and not slimy. You can know that by pressing gently to make sure they are resilient and spring back slightly.

6. Packaging

If you are buying frozen scallops, just make sure they are individually quick frozen (IQF) and the package is free from frost or ice crystals, which can indicate thawing and refreezing.

By paying attention to these details, you can ensure that the scallops you choose are fresh and perfect for your dish.

To bake scallops, you need to collect a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment that makes the process quick and easy. Here is a list to get you started:

Ingredients

1. Scallops

Scallops are the key ingredient that you must take fresh or frozen, preferably "dry" for the best results. Fresh scallops offer great taste so avoid choosing the stale one.

2. Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the baked scallops. 

3. Garlic

Another ingredient that adds great flavor to your dish is garlic. You can take minced garlic for a savory taste.

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is needed while baking scallops. This is freshly squeezed, for adding brightness and acidity.

5. Breadcrumbs

You can add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. However, this is optional, you can skip this if not go for crispy and crunchy bites.

6. Parmesan cheese

Another ingredient that is necessary to enhance the taste is Parmesan cheese. Just grat it to your dish for a cheesy crust (optional).

Optional Ingredients

• White wine: A splash of white wine is used to enhance flavor.
• Paprika: This is needed as a bit of color and mild spice.
• Olive oil: If you prefer a lighter fat than butter, then go for olive oil.

Equipment

• Baking dish: It is often a shallow dish or casserole that is used to hold the scallops.
• Oven: Preheated to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C).
• Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients such as garlic, butter, and breadcrumbs.
• Basting brush or spoon: To coat the scallops with butter or oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, you need measuring cups and spoons.
• Knife and cutting board: You need a knife and cutting board to mince garlic and chop parsley.
• Grater: If you are using fresh Parmesan cheese, then a grater is a must.
• Tongs or a slotted spoon: This is necessary to handle the scallops without damaging them.

Baking scallops is not that difficult job however you require proper guidance for the best result. Here are the necessary ingredients and instructions to help you bake the scallops in the best way, have a look:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of large scallops (about 16-20 sea scallops)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

After collecting all the ingredients in the right measurements, you need to follow the steps below to bake scallops:

1. Preheat The Oven

First of all, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The right temperature makes sure the taste is retained at its best along with saving the nutritional value.

2. Prepare the Scallops

After that, pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This action definitely helps them cook evenly and prevents them from steaming instead of baking.

3. Arrange in Baking Dish

Now, it's time to place the scallops in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Just make sure they are not crowded, as this allows for even cooking.

4. Mix the Butter and Garlic and coat the scallops

Take a small mixing bowl to combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Then, stir them well to mix the flavors. After that, you need to pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops. You can also use a basting brush to ensure they are well-coated.

5. Add Toppings (Optional)

If you are using toppings, just sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the scallops. This will create a crispy, golden crust as they bake.

6. Season and Add Lemon Juice

Now, you should drizzle the lemon juice over the scallops and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bake

For baking, you need to place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. However, you need to be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can become tough.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once done, you can gently remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Finally, it's time to serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, like a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Many people often get confused about the right duration and temperature for baking scallops. Actually, you need to bake this food in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them as they cook, as scallops can easily become overcooked and turn rubbery.

You will know they are ready when they turn opaque and are firm to the touch, but still tender inside. Depending on their size, the baking time may vary slightly, so it's best to check them a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.

For the best result, you need to bake scallops considering some of the tips. This ensures your baked scallops turn out perfectly, so here we go:

1. Pat Scallops Dry: Before baking, you need to make sure to pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Doing this you will remove excess moisture that literally helps them develop a better texture and prevents them from steaming in the oven.

2. Room Temperature Scallops: If you have time, just let the scallops sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This action is needed to let them cook evenly.

3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. It’s worth the extra effort.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: It's better to arrange the scallops in a single layer in your baking dish. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent the scallops from getting that nice, slightly golden crust.

5. Watch the Baking Time: Interestingly, scallops cook quickly, usually within 10-15 minutes. So, you should start checking them around the 10-minute mark. Also, overcooked scallops can become tough and chewy, so it's better to slightly undercook them and let them rest out of the oven.

6. Customize with Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as thyme, dill, or chives to enhance the flavor.

7. Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier topping, kindly switch to broil mode for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the scallops to avoid burning the breadcrumbs or cheese.

8. Serve Immediately: Scallops are best served right out of the oven when they are hot and fresh. If they sit too long, they can lose their ideal texture. So, you need to serve them as soon as they become ready.

These tips should help you achieve perfectly baked scallops with great flavor and texture.

As mentioned earlier, serving scallops immediately after baking is the best method to enjoy it, however, quick serving and finishing all which you have made is not always possible.

So, here are some of the storage methods and tips:

Storing Baked Scallops

• Refrigeration: Baked scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, you need to make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze cooked scallops, they may lose some texture upon reheating. If you choose to freeze them, kindly place the scallops in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Scallops

• Oven: To reheat, you need to preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Then, place the scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle method definitely helps prevent them from becoming rubbery.
• Stovetop: You can also reheat scallops in a skillet over low heat. For that, you can add a small amount of butter or oil and heat gently, turning occasionally, until warm.

Important Tips

• Avoid Repeated Freezing and Thawing: Scallops can become mushy if they are repeatedly frozen and thawed, so only freeze once.
• Label and Date: It will be better to always label containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.

We can enjoy the baked scallops in their original form as we have prepared them by adding so many ingredients mentioned above. However, we can also pair them with other side dishes that will make your day. Here are the several serving ways, check out:

1. Over Risotto

It is a great idea to serve baked scallops on a bed of creamy Parmesan risotto. Interestingly, the richness of the risotto complements the delicate flavor of the scallops. It will be a great height that you love to repeat each time.

2. With Pasta

Are you ready to add crispy scallops to your pasta bliss? This combination works finest to impress your guests as well. Kindly toss the baked scallops with linguine or fettuccine, along with a light garlic and lemon sauce.

Then, you can add some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a simple, elegant dish. You will surely love this dish.

3. On a Salad

For a healthy and tasty bliss, you can place the scallops as a top on a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette. The warm scallops definitely add a lovely contrast to the crisp salad.

4. In Tacos

You can also use the baked scallops as a filling for soft tacos. Just add slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, flavorful twist on seafood tacos. You will love it.

5. With Grilled Vegetables

Another best idea to serve baked scallops is by pairing them with a medley of grilled vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also drizzle it with a balsamic reduction or lemon butter sauce. Try this once, you will love it.