Sizzling Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Culinary magic happens when tender garlic butter baked scallops meet your dinner plate.

Succulent seafood transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Ocean-fresh scallops nestle perfectly in a rich, aromatic butter sauce that whispers luxury.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this simple yet elegant dish.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of herbs, garlic, and marine sweetness.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor, making this recipe a secret weapon for impressive meals.

What Makes Garlic Butter Baked Scallops So Succulent

• Unlock Gourmet Flavors: Transform simple scallops into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, creating an impressive meal that tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious seafood dinner in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or spontaneous dinner plans without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Impress guests with a sophisticated seafood recipe that looks and tastes sophisticated but requires minimal culinary expertise, ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching breadcrumbs or adding different herbs, allowing flexibility for personal taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the dish's core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, tender seafood that serves as the star protein of this dish.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a golden-brown topping.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the delicate scallops.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty taste and helps create a crispy crust.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture and helps the topping brown nicely.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the scallops.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green finish and light herbal note to the dish.

How to Bake Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This high heat will create a perfect golden crust on your scallops.

Step 2: Arrange Seafood Treasure

Place the scallops in a single layer across your baking dish, giving each one enough space to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden edge.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Topping

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Stir all ingredients until they blend into a tantalizing golden mixture.

Step 4: Season and Dress

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the scallops. Generously spoon the garlic butter mixture across the top, ensuring each scallop gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and the topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Serve and Delight

Pull out your culinary masterpiece and serve immediately. Optional: Scatter some extra fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Baked Scallops

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture, avoiding frozen options if possible.
• Adjust baking time carefully to prevent overcooking, which can make scallops tough and rubbery; they should be slightly translucent in the center.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy topping.
• Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced, elegant seafood meal that's quick and impressive for dinner guests.

Variations to Enhance Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Spicy Cajun Scallops: Add Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for a bold, zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Scallops: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta, add oregano and thyme to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Lemon Herb Scallops: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and chopped dill into the butter mixture for a bright, refreshing taste.
• Coconut Curry Scallops: Mix coconut milk and mild curry powder into the butter topping for a creamy, exotic seafood experience.

Ideal Pairings for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich garlic butter and delicate scallop flavors. The wine's bright notes will cut through the richness and enhance the seafood's subtle sweetness.
• Create Citrus Side Salad: Prepare a light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with arugula, which adds a peppery contrast to the buttery scallops. Fresh citrus elements will refresh the palate between bites and balance the dish's decadence.
• Match Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. The bread provides a perfect textural contrast and allows diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful pan juices.

Storage Advice for Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.
• Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking between each interval to prevent rubbery texture. Stop heating once scallops are warm throughout.
• If scallops have been left at room temperature for over 2 hours or smell unusual, throw them away to avoid potential foodborne illness.

FAQs on Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Are scallops healthy to eat?

Scallops are an excellent source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They support heart health and provide important minerals for your body.

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Properly cooked scallops turn opaque and become slightly firm but remain tender. They should look pearly white and have a slight golden color on top when baked. Overcooking makes 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 overnight, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking. This ensures they’ll brown nicely and prevent excess liquid in the baking dish.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that melts in your mouth. Golden-kissed edges and rich, herb-infused butter invite you to savor each delicate, ocean-fresh bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh sea scallops
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and heat the oven to a searing 400F (200C), ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Delicately arrange the scallops in a pristine single layer, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking.
3. Create a luxurious garlic butter blend by thoroughly mixing melted butter, finely minced garlic, crisp breadcrumbs, nutty Parmesan cheese, and vibrant chopped parsley until ingredients harmonize.
4. Enhance the scallops with a gentle sprinkle of salt and pepper, providing foundational seasoning for depth of flavor.
5. Lavishly spoon the aromatic garlic butter mixture across the scallops, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the rich, herbed topping.
6. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, allowing the scallops to bake for 12-15 minutes until they transform into translucent, tender morsels with a golden-brown crust.
7. Once perfectly cooked, remove immediately and garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness, serving while piping hot for maximum culinary enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are pat dry before baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture.
• Select fresh, high-quality sea scallops with a sweet, delicate aroma for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on scallop size; larger scallops might need an extra minute, while smaller ones cook faster to prevent overcooking.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg