Short Description
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy seafood dish is perfect for a special dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet elegant dish ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, buttery flavor with a perfect golden topping
- Great for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad
- A restaurant-quality seafood dish made at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh sea scallops
- Butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and arrange them in the dish.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the butter mixture over the scallops.
- In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, paprika, and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.
- Drizzle with olive oil to help with browning.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Cheesy Twist: Use a blend of Parmesan and Gruyère for extra richness.
- Citrus Flavor: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a tangy variation.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as scallops may become tough when reheated.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or gently heat in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before baking.
What’s the best way to prevent rubbery scallops?
Avoid overcooking; bake just until they turn opaque and tender.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance, but bake just before serving for the best texture.
Should I remove the side muscle from scallops?
Yes, if present, remove the small tough muscle on the side of each scallop.
Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since bay scallops are smaller.
What can I serve with baked scallops?
They pair well with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier topping, but regular breadcrumbs also work well.
Can I add white wine to this dish?
Absolutely! A splash of white wine in the butter mixture adds great depth of flavor.
How do I know when scallops are done?
They should be opaque and slightly firm but still tender when touched.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious yet easy dish that’s perfect for any seafood lover. With rich garlic butter flavor and a crispy topping, this dish is sure to impress at any meal!
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, juicy, and packed with rich, buttery garlic flavor. Baked to perfection with a crispy golden topping, this easy seafood dish is perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Make garlic butter – In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Coat the scallops – Place the scallops in the baking dish and drizzle the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Make the topping – In another small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the scallops.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Broil (optional) – For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish & serve – Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen scallops (thawed) and pat them dry for the best texture.
- Substitute Italian breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko.
- Add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for extra flavor.
- Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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