You'll love Mom's Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs! This is our favorite seafood dish!
Hello from the depths of my recovering, flu-infected household! It's been a rough few weeks.
First my hubby got sick, then I caught a milder version of the virus, since I had my annual flu shot. But...then I developed bronchitis, which happens easily when you have asthma.
I was down for the count. My kitchen was closed. I kept up with my Facebook page, but that's about it.
Then we had to leave for our scheduled trip to New Orleans to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! We were still sick. I was barely able to walk in the airport, due to shortness of breath.
Fun times!
Thankfully, the meds started kicking in the day after we arrived in NOLA. My hubby coughed the entire trip (and still is), but we managed to have a great time. I'll try to put a post together with our cellphone snaps and my restaurant recommendations.
Remove the side muscle before cooking.
This week, I'm pushing myself up from my knees to wave my fist in the air and declare victory...
Or give you a broiled scallops recipe.
But you should be waving your fists in the air, because this dish will rock your world.
Place your breaded scallops on a foil-lined pan and sprinkle with paprika.
It starts with sea scallops that get dunked in butter and oil. Then, they get coated with fresh, homemade bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan, a little Romano and seasonings.
Then, the broiler does the rest of the work. You'll broil them in a sheet pan (affiliate link) on the top rack of your oven to achieve a browned, slightly crispy coating for the tender, buttery scallops. A squeeze of lemon provides the perfect finishing touch.
Mom's been making these breaded scallops with Parmesan bread crumbs for the last few years, and we get so excited when we know they're on the menu. This is our favorite seafood dish!
The scallops are great served with asparagus with tarragon butter and long-grain rice. I like the leftovers over lettuce, like these breaded scallops over salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Enjoy!
(Recipe Source: Adapted from my Mom, who uses unsalted butter and doesn't measure anything.)
Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen sea scallops (10-20 count per pound, thawed)
- ¾ cup plain fresh bread crumbs finely grated
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Romano cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (can use unsalted if watching sodium)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- paprika
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen scallops overnight in the refrigerator. Place the scallops in a colander in the sink and run cold water over them for 4-5 minutes until completely thawed.
- Remove the side muscle from each scallop, as it will be tough. (See photo in post.) Look carefully for any specks of sand to scrape off the scallops.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and let them rest on a couple layers of paper towels to continue drying as you proceed with the recipe.
- Move your oven rack to the top position and preheat your broiler. Line two half baking sheets with foil. Grease the foil with cooking spray.
- Add your bread crumbs, Parmesan, Romano, garlic powder and pepper to a dinner plate (or use a gallon-sized, resealable plastic bag) and stir or shake to combine.
- Add your butter to a microwave-safe, liquid measuring cup. Melt the butter in the microwave, covered loosely. (Try 30 seconds at first, then more as needed.)
- Stir your olive oil into the melted butter in your cup.
- Set up an assembly line from left to right with your scallops, butter mixture, bread crumb mixture, and foil-lined pans.
- Dry your scallops again with paper towels, so you don't end up with a soggy result.
- Place four scallops at a time into your butter mixture. Use a fork to turn them to coat all sides.
- Transfer the scallops to your bread crumb mixture. Coat the scallops with the bread crumbs and use a different fork to transfer them to your pan. Continue breading your scallops until you've filled both pans.
- Sprinkle paprika on the breaded scallops. Pour any extra butter mixture over the scallops.
- Broil the scallops on the top rack (one pan at a time) for two minutes on the first side, or until browned.
- Use a small metal spatula or spoon to flip over the scallops. Broil on the second side for another 90 seconds or two minutes, until browned but not burned. (Watch them carefully.)
- Proceed to broil your second pan of scallops the same way. The scallops should be white and tender on the inside when cooked.
- Squeeze lemon juice on the scallops before serving.
Mary
Can you use bay scallops? I have some in my freezer.
Mamma C
Hi Mary - You can, but bay scallops are smaller, so they will probably take less time to cook.
Barry Londoff
We had this last night. Delicious! Could have used some chopped garlic (in my opinion), to put it over the top for me!
Mamma C
Chopped garlic would be delicious here. I'm glad you enjoyed the scallops, Barry!
Iryna
I've never tried broiled scallops. I usually just sear them, but broiling is a great idea also. I have to try this recipe, parmesan breadcrumbs sound delicious!
Mamma C
I love the easy cleanup with broiling them on a foil-lined pan. Thanks, Iryna!
Lisa Huff
Need to try! My kids can not get enough scallops these days!!
Mamma C
My kids go crazy for this! I hope you guys enjoy it, Lisa.
Amanda Finks
I love how easy this recipe is! And, the cheese bread crumb topping is awesome!
Mamma C
Yes! It's a wonderful combination. Thanks, Amanda!
Sandi
Those broiled scallops look cooked to perfection!!
Mamma C
Thanks, Sandi! They're so good.