Sizzling Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe: Coastal Magic

Crispy golden scallops bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce might just become your new seafood obsession.

Buttery medallions of ocean-fresh delight promise an elegant dinner experience.

Rich coastal flavors meld beautifully with simple ingredients.

Tender marine morsels absorb every hint of herb-infused richness.

Minimal preparation ensures maximum satisfaction for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Delicate protein paired with aromatic seasonings creates a sophisticated plate.

Invite adventurous taste buds to savor this irresistible culinary journey.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are So Delicious

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Garlic butter and Parmesan cheese create a rich, mouth-watering combination that transforms simple scallops into an extraordinary dish.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, allowing home cooks to prepare restaurant-quality seafood with confidence.
• Perfect for Special Gatherings: Impressive enough for dinner parties yet simple to prepare, these baked scallops elevate any meal from ordinary to elegant without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Protein Option: Scallops offer lean protein and delicate texture, making this dish a nutritious choice for those seeking balanced, delectable seafood meals.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Delicate seafood with a sweet, tender texture that absorbs the garlic butter flavors beautifully.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a subtle kick to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy component that provides a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich butter.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that helps create a luxurious sauce and adds golden color.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crunchy topping that provides a crispy texture and savory flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking dish or skillet and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange and Season Scallops

Spread the scallops in a single layer across the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to give them a flavor boost.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat lovers)

Pour this liquid gold evenly over the scallops.

Step 4: Add Crispy Topping

• Crunchy breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure every scallop gets a delicious blanket of the topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and the top becomes golden and crispy. The scallops should reach an internal temperature of 130F.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with bright lemon wedges on the side for an extra zingy touch.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Prevent Overcooking: Watch scallops closely during baking to avoid turning rubbery; they cook quickly and become tough when overdone.
• Pat Dry for Crispy Texture: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from scallops before seasoning, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Choose Fresh Scallops: Select dry-packed, bright white scallops without milky liquid for the best flavor and most authentic seafood experience.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control heat by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to match your personal preference for mild or spicy dishes.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and scallops to sit at room temperature briefly before cooking for more even and consistent heating.

Variation Ideas for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Herb-Infused Scallops: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a fragrant Mediterranean-style dish.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep the recipe low-carb and gluten-free.
• Spicy Asian Adaptation: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar and add ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Mix scallops with shrimp and add oregano, olives, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired seafood bake.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Enhance Seafood Delight with Perfect Pairings
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the delicate scallop flavor, cutting through the rich garlic butter with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Herbed Risotto Side: Creamy parmesan risotto with fresh herbs provides a luxurious, velvety texture that matches the scallops' tender profile, absorbing the garlic butter's richness.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus spears offer a tender-crisp vegetable option that echoes the scallops' delicate texture while adding earthy green undertones to the plate.

Storage Advice for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer cooled scallops to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Use low power setting (50%) and heat in 15-second intervals. Stir gently between intervals to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for opaque, slightly firm texture and a golden-brown top. The internal temperature should reach 130F. Overcooked scallops become rubbery, so watch them carefully during baking.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator first. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better golden crust.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes. The goal is to create a crispy topping that adds texture to the scallops.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional. If you want minimal heat, skip them. If you enjoy a slight kick, add them to taste.

Butter-Bathed Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops offer a luxurious seafood experience that whispers Mediterranean coastal charm. Delicate shellfish bathe in rich, herbed butter, promising a quick gourmet meal packed with elegant simplicity you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface and heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C).
2. Position the scallops in a uniform, single layer within the prepared dish, then delicately season with salt and pepper.
3. Create a vibrant garlic butter mixture by whisking together melted butter, finely minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
4. Drizzle the aromatic garlic butter evenly across the scallops, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously sprinkle a crisp layer of breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops, providing a golden, textured topping.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the scallops transform into a translucent white and develop a crispy, golden exterior.
7. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 130F (54C), which indicates perfectly cooked scallops.
8. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top and serving immediately alongside bright, tangy lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust when baking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
• Opt for unsalted butter to control sodium levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still provides a rich, cheesy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg