New England Baked Scallops with Panko Recipe
Delight in this classic New England Baked Scallops recipe featuring tender bay scallops coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce, topped with a crispy panko and parmesan crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish balances savory, tangy, and crunchy textures for an elegant seafood treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New England, American
Ingredients
Scallop Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds bay scallops
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Garnish
- Minced scallions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish or four small ramekins for baking.
- Prepare Scallops: In a medium bowl, combine bay scallops, melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss gently to coat the scallops evenly with the mixture. Divide the scallops evenly among the prepared baking dish or ramekins.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the scallops. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with minced scallions or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Bay scallops cook quickly, so do not overbake to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; omit or adjust to taste if preferred milder.
- For a richer dish, use unsalted butter to control salt levels in the topping and seasoning.
- If desired, substitute parmesan with pecorino cheese for a slightly different flavor.
- This recipe can be divided into smaller portions using ramekins for individual servings.
