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– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish)
– **Lemon wedges** (for serving)
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### **Instructions**:
#### 1. **Prepare the Scallops**:
– Begin by **preheating your broiler** to **high** and placing the oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
– Pat the **scallops** dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them brown beautifully when broiled.
– If your scallops are still attached to the side muscle (the small rectangular piece), carefully remove it. This part is tough and should be discarded.
#### 2. **Prepare the Broiling Dish**:
– Lightly grease a broiling pan or baking sheet with a bit of **olive oil** or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also helps the scallops cook evenly and allows for easy cleanup.
#### 3. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**:
– In a small bowl, combine the **melted butter**, **minced garlic**, **lemon juice**, **paprika**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Stir to mix everything together. This flavorful garlic butter will add depth and richness to the scallops while they broil.
#### 4. **Arrange the Scallops**:
– Arrange the scallops on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around each scallop, ensuring a nice golden crust on all sides.
#### 5. **Broil the Scallops**:
– Using a spoon or brush, **drizzle** the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
– Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for about **3-4 minutes**. Keep a close eye on them! Scallops cook very quickly, and you want them to be golden brown on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
– The scallops are ready when they become **opaque** and firm to the touch. If they are slightly translucent in the center, give them an extra 1-2 minutes, but avoid overcooking them, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Once the scallops are broiled to perfection, **remove** them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate.
– **Garnish** with freshly chopped **parsley** and serve with **lemon wedges** on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
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### **Serving Suggestions**:
– **Over Pasta**: Serve your broiled scallops over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that feels like a true gourmet meal.
– **With Roasted Vegetables**: Broiled scallops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the earthy flavors of the veggies.
– **On a Salad**: For a light and healthy option, serve the scallops on top of a crisp mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
– **With Rice**: Scallops and rice are a classic combination. Try them with **lemon rice** or **wild rice** for a delightful pairing.
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### **Tips for the Best Broiled Scallops**:
1. **Buy Fresh Scallops**: Fresh, dry-packed scallops are ideal for broiling. Wet-packed scallops (soaked in a preservative solution) tend to release too much moisture during cooking, making it harder to achieve that golden brown crust.
2. **Don’t Overcook**: Scallops cook very quickly. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. They should be opaque and firm to the touch, but still tender inside.
3. **Use the Right Pan**: A broiler pan with a slotted design is ideal because it allows heat to circulate around the scallops evenly. If you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet works just fine, too.
4. **Rest Before Serving**: Let the scallops rest for a minute or two after broiling to allow the juices to settle. This ensures they stay juicy and tender when you bite into them.
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### **Variations and Add-ins**:
– **Cheese Topping**: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little grated **Parmesan** or **Gruyère** cheese over the scallops before broiling. It’ll melt into a deliciously crispy, cheesy crust.
– **Spicy Kick**: Add a few dashes of **cayenne pepper** or **chili flakes** to the garlic butter mixture for some heat. A spicy kick pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the scallops.
– **Herb Infusion**: Add fresh herbs like **thyme**, **tarragon**, or **rosemary** to the garlic butter for an aromatic boost. These herbs complement the delicate flavor of the scallops beautifully.
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### Final Thoughts
**Broiled Scallops** are a fantastic dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or an appetizer, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your seafood cravings. The delicate sweetness of the scallops, combined with the rich garlic butter sauce, creates a memorable dish that’s both elegant and simple to make.
With a few basic ingredients and just minutes under the broiler, you’ll have a gourmet meal that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect broiled scallops every time! 🍽️🦑
