Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large sea scallops, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter and olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika. Stir in the melted butter to moisten the mixture.
  4. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately.