Baked Sea Scallops

Ingredients

• 2 lb sea scallops
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Before you cook

• Heat the oven to 425°F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
• Pull the small tough side muscle off each scallop and discard it.
• Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels.
• Crush the crackers, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley.

Steps

1. Arrange the scallops in the baking dish in a single layer with a little space between them.
2. Season the scallops with the salt and black pepper.
3. Pour the white wine and lemon juice around the scallops.
4. Stir the cracker crumbs, melted butter, garlic, and parsley together in a bowl until the crumbs are evenly damp.
5. Spoon the crumb mixture over the scallops so each one is capped.
6. Dust the top with paprika.
7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the crumbs are golden and the scallops are opaque at the center.
8. Slide the dish under a high broiler for 1 minute if the top needs more color.
9. Spoon the buttery pan juices over the scallops and serve with lemon wedges.