Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent sea scallops swimming in rich garlic butter create a mouthwatering culinary experience that promises pure seafood elegance.

Creamy and delicate, these tender morsels melt effortlessly on your plate.

Coastal kitchens everywhere celebrate this simple yet luxurious dish with its Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Professional chefs adore how quickly these scallops come together, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Butter infused with fragrant garlic adds depth and complexity to each perfectly seared bite.

Delicate proteins caramelize beautifully, developing a golden-brown exterior that hints at incredible taste waiting inside.

Grab your skillet and prepare to impress everyone at the table with this restaurant-quality seafood sensation.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are So Delicious

• Savor Quick Gourmet Delight: This recipe transforms simple scallops into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Seafood: Perfectly combines crispy breadcrumb topping with tender scallops, making it a guaranteed hit for family dinners and special gatherings.
• Elevate Weeknight Cooking: Requires just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques, allowing home cooks to create an impressive meal without complex preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding extra herbs or experimenting with different cheese types to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, tender seafood that serves as the star of this delicious dish.

• Butter, Melted: Provides a rich, smooth base for the garlic sauce.
• Garlic, Minced: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to complement the scallops.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy freshness to balance the richness.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crispy texture for the scallop coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Parsley, Chopped: Provides a fresh, herbal note and adds a pop of green color.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers a zesty finish and allows for extra citrus flavor when serving.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), getting it ready for some seafood magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Zesty lemon juice

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and singing with flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Seafood Centerpiece

Gently place your plump scallops in a baking dish, creating a single layer that allows each morsel to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Drench in Liquid Gold

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring every piece gets a luxurious coating of flavor.

Step 5: Create Crispy Topping Bliss

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley

Sprinkle this crunchy mixture generously over the scallops, creating a golden crown of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and tender, and the topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and immediately plate with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The bright citrus will complement the rich, buttery scallops perfectly.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pat Scallops Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden topping and preventing watery baking.
• Select Fresh Scallops: Choose plump, firm, and shiny scallops without strong fishy smell for best flavor and texture.
• Control Baking Time: Watch carefully during last few minutes to prevent overcooking, which can make scallops tough and rubbery.
• Substitute Breadcrumbs: Replace Panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with herbs like thyme or add red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra depth of taste.

Variation Ideas for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Herb-Infused Scallops: Replace parsley with fresh dill or chives for a different herbal flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Panko breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Seafood Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter mixture for a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese into the breadcrumb topping for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Elevate Crisp White Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the delicate scallop flavor, cutting through the rich garlic butter with bright, zesty notes.
• Craft Herbal Garnish Enhancement: Fresh dill or chives sprinkled over the dish add a subtle green complexity that harmonizes with the garlic and seafood, creating a more layered taste experience.
• Create Textural Side Companion: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad or buttery roasted asparagus to provide a complementary texture that balances the crispy scallop topping and adds nutritional depth.
• Design Acidic Balance Plate: Include a small mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cleanse the palate and enhance the seafood's natural sweetness, creating a complete and refreshing dining moment.

Storage Advice for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through, maintaining their delicate texture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Use medium power and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Do not freeze cooked scallops as they will lose their tender texture and become rubbery. Consume refrigerated leftovers quickly for best quality and taste.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• What are scallops?

Scallops are delicate, tender seafood with a sweet, mild flavor that come from saltwater mollusks and have a soft, tender texture when cooked properly.

• How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque white and firm, and their internal temperature reaches 145°F. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and ensure they’re at room temperature before cooking.

Garlicky Butter Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops deliver a luxurious seafood experience straight from Mediterranean coastal kitchens. Rich butter, fresh herbs, and perfectly seared scallops promise a memorable dinner that transports you to elegant seaside dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment for the delicate seafood.
2. Create a luxurious garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
3. Carefully position the scallops in a single layer within a spacious baking dish, allowing each piece ample room for even cooking.
4. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the flavorful liquid.
5. Craft a crispy topping by blending Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley in a mixing bowl.
6. Liberally sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture across the butter-glazed scallops, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and the topping to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crispness.
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with bright, zesty lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s delicate flavor profile.
9. Serve immediately while the scallops are hot and the topping remains wonderfully crisp.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a clean, sweet ocean smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before baking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect golden crust.
• Adjust baking time based on scallop size – smaller scallops cook faster and can easily become rubbery if overcooked.
• Swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg