As a passionate home chef, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a tried and true recipe that combines simple ingredients into something truly magical. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful baked bay scallops recipe with garlic vermicelli. This dish, with its perfect blend of flavors and textures, is an exquisite way to enjoy the tender sweetness of bay scallops complemented by the savory notes of garlic and oyster sauce. Let’s dive into the recipe that is bound to become a favorite in your culinary collection.
Ingredients
- Bay scallops with shell
- Vermicelli, preferably thin and delicate
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Scallions, finely chopped
- Small chili peppers, diced (optional for a spicy kick)
- Seasoning: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, a drizzle of sesame oil, a sprinkle of pepper powder, a small amount of water, and a suitable amount of cooking oil
Baked Bay Scallops with Garlic Vermicelli: The Cooking Process
- Preparing the Vermicelli: Begin by soaking the vermicelli in warm water until soft and pliable. This step ensures the vermicelli cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the seasoning and scallops beautifully.
- Mise en Place: Preparation is key in cooking. Finely chop the garlic cloves, aiming for thin pieces that will crisp up perfectly when baked. Prepare the scallions and dice the chili peppers if using. The vibrant colors of the scallions and chili not only add a spicy kick but also make the dish visually stunning.
- Prepping the Scallops: Carefully insert a knife into the gap between the scallop shells to pry them open. Remove the internal organs and give the scallops a good wash. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re well-coated, and then drain any excess liquid. This marination step infuses the scallops with flavor and enhances their natural sweetness.
- Assembling the Dish: Place a decent amount of the soaked vermicelli onto the cleaned scallop shells. Then, position the seasoned scallops on top. You may cut slightly into the thicker parts of the scallops to help them cook more evenly.
- Flavor Infusion: Combine all the seasonings with the finely chopped garlic and mix well. This garlic juice becomes the heart of the dish, enveloping the scallops and vermicelli in a rich, aromatic sauce that is simply irresistible.
- Baking to Perfection: Lightly oil your baking tray and arrange the scallops. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. The precise time will depend on your oven and the size of the scallops. Just before finishing, open the oven to brush or spoon generously the garlic sauce over the scallops. This step ensures each scallop is juicy and full of flavor.
- Final Touches: To elevate the dish further, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the scallops right before the final minutes of baking. Sprinkle the baked bay scallops with the vibrant scallions and chili peppers, then place them back into the oven for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Present your baked bay scallops with garlic vermicelli while they’re warm and fragrant. This dish not only offers a symphony of flavors and textures but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat. Paired with a glass of white wine, your dining experience will surely be elevated to a gourmet level.
Embark on this culinary adventure with confidence, and you’ll discover just how simple yet utterly satisfying cooking with scallops can be. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and take pride in knowing that you’ve created a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
