Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
If you’re searching for that dinner party showstopper or just a quick, special weeknight treat, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are exactly what you need. This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, buttery flavor and the delicate sweetness of fresh sea scallops. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have beautifully golden, tender seafood with a crispy topping and a pop of citrus from fresh lemon. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or testing the waters, this recipe wins hearts every time and is guaranteed to impress at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take a long list to create something extraordinary—just pure, quality ingredients, each playing its own important part in making these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops truly delicious. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why you’ll want every single one.
- Sea scallops (1 1/2 pounds, patted dry): Plump, sweet, and tender—make sure they’re dry to ensure that lovely baked texture and concentrated flavor.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): The base for that luscious garlic butter, coating every scallop with rich flavor.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): The unmistakable star of the show; its sharp savory aroma infuses the butter and scallops.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds that perfect nutty saltiness and helps create the golden crust on top.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Deliver crunch and soak up all the buttery goodness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter, making the scallops sing.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes, bringing out the best in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends just a touch of heat and dimension to balance the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a burst of color and freshness right at the finish.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Squeeze over before eating for that delightful citrus zing.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease your favorite shallow baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. This simple step ensures that the scallops don’t stick and also gives you easy, golden edges. Set it aside as you put together the rest of your ingredients—your kitchen will soon start smelling amazing.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together. This ultra-fragrant mixture is the core of your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, infusing every bite with that classic, savory, and slightly tangy taste that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Arrange the Scallops
Gently place the patted-dry sea scallops in an even layer in your prepared dish. It’s important they sit in a single layer so they bake evenly—this way, each scallop gets coated with all the beautiful garlic butter and can develop that gorgeous color on top.
Step 4: Spoon Over the Magic
Evenly drizzle or spoon your garlic butter mixture over the scallops, making sure every little scallop gets its fair share of love. This step is where the seafood starts to soak up that luscious, garlicky goodness we’re all here for!
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Now, stir together the grated Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate small bowl. Sprinkle this irresistible mixture generously over the top of your scallops. This combination turns golden and crisp in the oven, providing the signature finish for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops.
Step 6: Bake Until Gorgeous
Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to come out when the scallops are opaque and just firm, and the topping is deeply golden. If you love extra crunch, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye so nothing burns. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, and don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Garnishes
Really take your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops over the top with a vibrant sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a shower of lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy. The finishing touch? A squeeze of lemon juice right before eating for a bright hit that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
You have so many tempting pairing options. Try serving your baked scallops over a bed of linguine, on fluffy rice pilaf, or even with simply steamed vegetables. But honestly, nothing beats a slice of fresh, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the savory garlic butter sauce left on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops in individual ramekins for each guest—they’ll feel like they’ve been treated to a restaurant-quality experience. Alternatively, present the scallops right in the skillet or baking dish and let everyone help themselves family-style. For an appetizer, scoop the scallops onto toasted baguette slices for a satisfying bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delightful encore lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for seafood, you can freeze baked scallops if needed. Place cooled Garlic Butter Baked Scallops in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost gently in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange scallops in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving—they can turn rubbery—so a gentle oven reheat preserves their delicate tenderness and keeps that topping crispy.
FAQs
Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
Absolutely! Bay scallops are smaller and cook a bit faster, so keep a close eye and shave a few minutes off the baking time. The flavor is still fantastic, just slightly sweeter and more delicate.
How do I know when the scallops are done?
The scallops are ready when they look opaque and just firm to the touch. Overbaking can make them tough, so check at the 12-minute mark—if the topping is golden and the scallops have lost their translucent look, you’re good to go.
Should I remove the side muscle from scallops?
Yes, always check for and remove the little tab of muscle on the side of each scallop. It’s edible but tends to be chewy, so a quick tug will give you the perfect texture in your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
You can prep everything a few hours ahead—mix the garlic butter, arrange the scallops, add the topping, and stash in the fridge, covered. Bake right before serving for best results. This makes it a fantastic option for entertaining!
What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Go for a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The citrus and mineral notes in those wines really complement the buttery richness and brighten up every bite. Cheers!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Garlic Butter Baked Scallops before, you’re in for an amazing treat—this is a meal that tastes luxurious but is secretly so easy to pull off. Give it a try and surprise yourself with how impressive a home-cooked seafood dish can be!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish that features tender scallops baked in a savory garlic butter sauce with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Sea Scallops:
1 1/2 pounds sea scallops (patted dry)
Garlic Butter Mixture:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish or skillet.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Arrange scallops: Place scallops in the dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Add topping: Combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the scallops.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until scallops are cooked through and topping is golden.
- Garnish and serve: Broil briefly for a crispier top, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry before cooking for better searing and texture.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
