Simple Herbed Scallops For Two
Delicate seared scallops with fresh herbs and mushrooms, baked to perfection. A quick, flavorful dish perfect for an elegant yet simple seafood dinner for two.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add lemon juice, minced chives, dried parsley flakes, garlic salt, dried tarragon, and pepper; stir well.
- Place scallops and quartered mushrooms in a greased 1-quart baking dish.
- Pour butter mixture over scallops and mushrooms.
- Melt remaining butter and toss with bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the scallops and mushrooms.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until scallops are opaque and topping is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter mixture. If you don’t have chives, green onions or shallots can be good substitutes. Using fresh scallops is ideal, but frozen scallops can work as well; just ensure they are thoroughly thawed. For an added crunch, try mixing some crushed crackers into the bread crumbs before sprinkling.
Serving Suggestions
These herbed scallops pair beautifully with a light salad or steamed asparagus for a delightful meal. Consider serving alongside quinoa or a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of crisp white wine complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scallops and mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent the scallops from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Herbed Scallops For Two contains roughly 1448 calories, with 25g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (854% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (131% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 31g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops as long as they are fully thawed before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for faster thawing.
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. However, keep in mind that using butter adds a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish.
How do I know when the scallops are done?
Scallops are done when they become opaque and firm to the touch. Typically, baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes is sufficient, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).