Heavenly Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Succulent scallops swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce promise a luxurious seafood experience that melts in your mouth.

Coastal kitchens buzz with excitement when these delicate morsels hit the baking sheet.

Butter infused with fragrant garlic creates a magical coating that enhances each tender bite.

Salt and pepper add subtle depth to this elegant dish.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire these perfectly baked delicacies that bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to create an impressive meal that looks sophisticated yet takes minimal effort.

Let’s make magic happen and impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible seafood sensation.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are a Must-Try

• Simplify Seafood Cooking: Master a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques, making gourmet scallops accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delectable meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner without extensive kitchen time.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine rich garlic butter, crispy breadcrumbs, and tender scallops for a mouthwatering experience that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Versatile Dining Option: Ideal for romantic dinners, elegant appetizers, or a sophisticated main course that pairs wonderfully with salads, rice, or pasta sides.

Ingredients Needed for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh sea scallops that provide a delicate and sweet seafood base for the dish.

• Butter: Rich dairy ingredient that adds a creamy and luxurious taste to the scallops.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that helps to bring out the natural flavors of the scallops.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Crispy mixture that creates a golden and flavorful crust on top of the scallops, adding texture and additional savory notes.

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus that provides a bright and tangy accent to cut through the richness of the butter and enhance the seafood flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

• Melted butter
• Finely chopped garlic
• A tiny pinch of salt

Blend these ingredients until they become a harmonious, aromatic mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Arrange the Seafood Stars

Gently place the scallops in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer. Drizzle the magical garlic butter concoction generously over each scallop, ensuring they’re beautifully coated.

Step 4: Create the Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley

Sprinkle this golden, herby mixture evenly across the scallops, creating a tempting crust that’ll turn gloriously crisp in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and tender, and the breadcrumb topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crispy layer.

Step 6: Serve and Delight

Pull out your masterpiece and immediately serve the scallops piping hot. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges on the side, ready to squeeze a bright, citrusy note over the dish just before devouring.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Success

• Choose Fresh Scallops: Select plump, moist scallops with a sweet ocean smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from scallops, ensuring a crispy golden topping and preventing steaming.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Overcooking makes scallops tough and rubbery; check at 10 minutes and remove immediately when opaque.
• Adjust Breadcrumb Coating: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or panko for extra crunchiness.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap parsley with fresh dill for a different herbal note.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Herb-Infused Seafood Delight: Replace parsley with fresh dill or chives for a different herb flavor profile, adding depth to the garlic butter scallops.
• Gluten-Free Ocean Feast: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to make the recipe celiac-friendly while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a zesty kick that complements the scallops' delicate taste.
• Keto-Friendly Seafood Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and increase Parmesan cheese to create a low-carb, high-protein alternative that fits ketogenic dietary needs.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the delicate seafood flavor and cut through the rich garlic butter.
• Serve Alongside Zesty Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the scallops and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare a simple quinoa side dish with fresh herbs like parsley and chives to provide a nutritious and textural accompaniment that enhances the dish's Mediterranean profile.
• Enhance with Citrus Accent: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the scallops just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a tangy dimension to the buttery seafood.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Warm scallops in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Quickly reheat scallops in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Use medium power and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Throw away scallops if they develop an off smell, slimy texture, or have been stored for more than 2 days to prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Are scallops safe to eat if they're slightly undercooked?

Always ensure scallops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety. Fully cooked scallops turn opaque and firm, with a slightly golden exterior.

• How do I know if I'm buying fresh scallops?

Look for scallops that are firm, moist, and have a sweet, ocean-like smell. Avoid scallops with a strong fishy odor or that appear dry and discolored.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.

Garlic-Infused Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops invite seafood enthusiasts on a luxurious culinary journey through delicate ocean flavors. Buttery, herbed medallions deliver restaurant-quality elegance with minimal kitchen effort you can easily master at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) sea scallops

Seasoning and Cheese:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a ceramic baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter sauce by whisking melted butter with finely chopped garlic and a delicate sprinkle of kosher salt until smoothly combined.
3. Gently place fresh scallops in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
4. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over each scallop, allowing the liquid to pool around the seafood.
5. Craft a crispy topping by blending panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a textured and flavorful coating.
6. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture across the scallops, pressing lightly to help the topping adhere and create a golden crust.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and the breadcrumbs to transform into a rich, golden brown color.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the seafood to maintain its delicate texture.
9. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze a bright citrus note over the dish just before enjoying.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are patted completely dry before baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the most tender and sweet flavor, preferably large-sized ones with a creamy white color.
• Customize the breadcrumb topping by using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to help them cook more evenly and maintain a delicate, silky texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg