Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Scallops dancing in a rich garlic butter sauce spark culinary magic that will make you swoon.

Buttery seafood dreams come alive with this simple yet elegant dish.

Marine treasures transform into a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Delicate proteins absorb intense flavors from melted butter and aromatic garlic.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to create.

Sensational textures and robust taste await you in this straightforward recipe.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Storage Guidelines for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• 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 tender texture.
• Heat scallops on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can make scallops rubbery.
• Throw away scallops if they develop an off smell, slimy texture, or show signs of spoilage.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Are scallops healthy to eat?

Yes, scallops are low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious seafood choice.

• How do I know if scallops are fresh?

Look for scallops that are firm, moist, and have a sweet, ocean-like smell. They should be creamy white or light beige in color, without any brown or yellow discoloration.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen scallops completely in the refrigerator, pat them dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Reasons to Love Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Craft Gourmet Seafood: Elevate your home cooking with restaurant-quality scallops that taste like a professional chef prepared them.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making this recipe super accessible and budget-friendly.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Delivers a delicious, impressive meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or impromptu dinner parties.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines crispy breadcrumb topping with tender scallops and rich garlic butter, creating a universally appealing dish that will impress guests and satisfy picky eaters.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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

• Garlic, Minced: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the scallops.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provides essential seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy brightness that complements the seafood.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and herbal notes to the baked scallops.

• Butter, Melted: Serves as a rich, smooth base that helps bind the seasonings and creates a luxurious coating for the scallops.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Base

• Melted butter
• Finely chopped garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Arrange the Sea Treasures

Carefully place the scallops in a single layer across the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re not overlapping.

Step 4: Drench in Deliciousness

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure each one gets a generous coating of flavor.

Step 5: Create the Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Sprinkle this crunchy mixture generously over the scallops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and the topping to transform into a golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the dish and plate immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness. Serve hot and savor every bite of these luxurious seafood delights.

Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture, avoiding previously frozen or treated scallops.
• Adjust baking time carefully to prevent overcooking, which can make scallops rubbery and tough; they should be just opaque and slightly translucent in the center.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy topping.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or chives to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced aromatic flavors and a more complex taste profile.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Scallops: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Scallop Bake: Add Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture and include cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Scallops: Swap garlic with minced fresh ginger, add soy sauce to the butter mixture, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
• Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Fusion: Wrap each scallop with a thin slice of bacon before baking, adding a smoky and crispy element to the dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair the delicate scallops with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body complement the rich garlic butter perfectly.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Create a zesty mixed green salad with segments of grapefruit and orange to cut through the buttery richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Artisan Bread Partner: Serve warm, rustic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with additional texture and flavor absorption.
• Crisp Vegetable Accompaniment: Roast asparagus or green beans with a light lemon seasoning to add a green vegetable element that balances the scallops' decadence and provides a nutritious side dish.

Juicy Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops emerge as a seafood lover’s dream, melding rich ocean flavors with aromatic herb-infused butter. Delicate marine treasures promise a luxurious dining experience that transports you straight to coastal culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large sea scallops
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Butter and Seasoning:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Carefully position the scallops in a single, even layer across the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture uniformly over the scallops, allowing the sauce to coat each piece completely.
5. Craft a crispy topping by blending breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh parsley in a separate bowl.
6. Generously sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture across the scallops, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the scallops turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown color.
8. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden crust and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture, avoiding frozen or previously thawed options if possible.
• Adjust cooking time carefully to prevent overcooking, which can make scallops tough and rubbery – they should be just opaque and slightly translucent in the center.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 249 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg