Easy Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops dance with rich, golden flavors that promise an elegant seafood experience.

Marine delicacies sparkle under a blanket of melted butter and aromatic herbs.

Delicate proteins absorb every nuanced hint of garlic and herbs.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with precision and care.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this classic dish that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Coastal restaurants would envy such a stunning preparation that celebrates ocean-fresh ingredients.

You can master this restaurant-quality recipe with just a few expert techniques and minimal effort.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are a Showstopper

• Unbelievably Quick Meal: Prepare and bake this delectable seafood dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter, crispy breadcrumbs, and tender scallops creates an irresistible taste that will impress both family and guests at any gathering.
• Nutritious Seafood Delight: Packed with lean protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these scallops offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional protein options, making it a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, tender seafood that serves as the star of the dish and provides a delicate, sweet flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for the dish and helps enhance the scallops' natural taste.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the seafood's delicate flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness and enhances the seafood's freshness.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help bring out the natural flavors of the scallops.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden texture to the dish and provides a crunchy contrast to the soft scallops.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal touch and adds a pop of green color to the final presentation.

• Lemon Wedges: Allows diners to add extra citrus brightness to their scallops if desired.

How to Bake Garlic Butter Scallops Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C) and get ready for a mouthwatering seafood adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir everything until it creates a harmonious blend of deliciousness.

Step 3: Arrange Succulent Seafood

Gently place the plump scallops in a single layer across your baking dish. Pour the golden garlic butter sauce all over, making sure each scallop gets a luxurious coating.

Step 4: Create Crispy Crowned Topping

• Crunchy breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Sprinkle this magical mixture evenly across the scallops, creating a tempting golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the scallops turn beautifully opaque and the topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crown.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out the baked scallops and plate them immediately.

Garnish with bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Baked Scallops

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy golden topping.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture in this delicate dish.
• Avoid overcooking scallops, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery; watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the crispy texture.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste preference.

Variations to Change Up Garlic Butter Scallops

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Scallops: Replace garlic with a blend of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Scallop Bake: Swap Parmesan with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty, spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Scallops: Use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds nutty flavor and crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Butter Scallops: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a dairy-free, plant-based friendly option.

What Pairs Well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Crisp Chardonnay Complement: A buttery Chardonnay with light oak notes matches the garlic butter's richness, enhancing the scallops' delicate flavor and cutting through the creamy texture.
• Citrus-Herb Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs, which will mirror the recipe's bright lemon and parsley elements while providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich scallops.
• Crusty Sourdough Soak-Up: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread alongside the dish to capture the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect bite that absorbs all the wonderful flavors and adds a satisfying textural element.

How to Store Baked Scallops Properly

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, add a splash of water or butter to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 145F for food safety.
• Quick reheating option for scallops. Use 50% power to avoid rubbery texture. Heat in 15-second intervals, checking between each burst. Drizzle with extra butter to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are properly cooked?

The scallops are done when they turn opaque white and look slightly firm, usually after 10-12 minutes of baking. Overcooking can make 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 first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking.

• What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal because they create a crispier, lighter topping compared to traditional breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will still work well.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops shine as a luxurious seafood delicacy from coastal kitchens. Rich butter and aromatic garlic elevate tender scallops into an elegant dish perfect for special dinners where simple ingredients create memorable culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large scallops, patted dry

Cheese and Crumbs:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking dish and position oven rack in the middle position, heating to precisely 400F (200C) for optimal scallop cooking.
2. Create a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
3. Arrange scallops in a pristine single layer within the baking dish, ensuring each mollusk is meticulously positioned without overcrowding.
4. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter mixture over the scallops, carefully coating each piece to maximize flavor penetration.
5. Craft a crispy topping by combining golden breadcrumbs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley, creating a textural contrast.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the scallops, allowing for complete coverage and maximum crunch potential.
7. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until scallops transform to a pearly opaque white and the topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue.
8. Remove from oven and let rest momentarily, then garnish with bright lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness.
9. Serve immediately while the scallops remain warm and the topping maintains its perfect crispy texture.

Notes

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden exterior when baking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding previously frozen options if possible.
• Arrange scallops in a single layer without overcrowding to promote even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 238 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 305 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg