There’s something truly magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and perfectly baked scallops. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that restaurant-quality seafood dish at home without all the fuss, this is the recipe for you. Imagine tender, juicy scallops bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, with a golden, slightly crispy topping that melts in your mouth. Sounds irresistible, right? Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and will have everyone at the table raving about your cooking skills. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant date night meal. It’s fancy enough to impress but easy enough to whip up anytime.
- Budget-Friendly: Scallops might seem like a luxury, but this recipe uses a simple ingredient list that keeps costs manageable while delivering big flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes with minimal prep and cooking time. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this is perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors by adding a hint of lemon zest, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a dash of your favorite spices.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s break it down:
- 1 lb scallops – The star of the dish! Choose fresh, high-quality scallops for the best texture and flavor.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted – The rich, creamy base that makes every bite irresistible.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the butter with deep, savory notes.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds a delicious, slightly crispy, and cheesy topping.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs – Creates that golden, crunchy texture on top.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh, herby finish to brighten up the dish.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden topping.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic and lemon juice. This mixture is the secret to that rich, buttery flavor.
3. Arrange the Scallops
Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the scallops in a single layer in the prepared dish.
4. Add the Topping
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for that delicious, crispy topping.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Enjoy alongside roasted vegetables for a well-balanced plate.
- Serve with a crusty baguette to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use fresh scallops for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking.
- Don’t overbake! Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
FAQ
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when scallops are done?
They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooked scallops become tough and rubbery.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! Try using Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free alternative.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs also work.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to bake them fresh for the best texture.
What can I use instead of butter?
Olive oil is a great alternative if you want a lighter option.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes! Try adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this dish on the stovetop?
Yes! Sear the scallops in a pan with garlic butter, then top with cheese and breadcrumbs before broiling.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a game-changer when it comes to easy, delicious, and impressive meals. With their buttery, garlicky goodness and irresistible golden topping, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something amazing, this dish delivers every time. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Description
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a crispy golden topping, they make an easy yet elegant seafood dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops (large)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat dry scallops with paper towels and place them in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the scallops.
- Drizzle with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until scallops are opaque and slightly firm.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy topping.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Use fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg