Savory Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts adore this mouthwatering garlic butter baked scallops recipe that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness.

Tender sea scallops swimming in a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce create an elegant dining experience.

Each delicate morsel promises a burst of pure ocean flavor that tantalizes the palate.

Quickly seared and finished in the oven, these scallops emerge golden and succulent with a delightful caramelized exterior.

The combination of herbs, butter, and perfectly cooked scallops elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

How To Bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Perfectly

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees. Quickly swipe the baking dish with a butter coat to prevent any sticky situations.

• Whip Together Flavor Magic

Create a mouthwatering blend by mixing melted butter with zesty garlic, bright lemon juice, herbaceous Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika. Let this magical mixture sit and mingle.

• Arrange Ocean's Treasure

Nestle the succulent scallops in a single, elegant layer across the baking dish. Give them a gentle kiss of salt and pepper. Lavish the scallops with the prepared garlic butter, ensuring every morsel gets some love.

• Craft a Crunchy Crown

Blend panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese into a crispy topping. Generously shower this golden mixture over the waiting scallops.

• Transform in the Oven

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let the magic happen for 12-15 minutes. The scallops will turn wonderfully opaque and tender. For extra pizzazz, blast under the broiler for a quick 1-2 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

• Celebrate Your Culinary Creation

Scatter fresh parsley across the top and serve immediately. Tuck some lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips For Golden Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Perfect Scallop Cooking Hacks: Quick Tips & Twists
• Moisture Magic: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent watery texture.
• Freshness First: Always choose fresh, plump scallops with a sweet ocean smell; avoid any with a fishy or ammonia-like odor for best flavor.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use extra Parmesan cheese for a crispy, protein-packed topping that keeps the recipe keto-friendly.
• Seafood Upgrade: Experiment with mixing scallops with shrimp or other mild white fish for a delightful Mediterranean-style seafood bake that adds variety to your meal.

Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Elegant And Hot

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair these succulent scallops with creamy risotto for a luxurious dining experience that highlights the delicate seafood flavor.
• Bright Citrus Refresh: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the rich garlic butter and provide a zesty contrast.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light, acidic notes enhance the scallops' buttery texture.
• Elegant Bread Option: Offer crusty French bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning every bite into a gourmet moment.

Store Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Without Drying Out

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness and safety.
• Optimal Consumption Window: Enjoy refrigerated scallops within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture, checking for any changes in smell or appearance before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in the oven at 275F for 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking, which can make scallops tough and rubbery. Avoid using microwave to maintain delicate texture.
• Freezing Option: Carefully wrap cooled scallops in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before gentle reheating.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Ingredient Must-Haves

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet ocean gems that promise a delicate texture and sublime marine flavor, choose plump, creamy-white scallops with no fishy smell.

• Butter, Garlic, Lemon Juice: Creamy butter creates silky richness, pungent garlic adds depth, bright lemon juice cuts through richness and tenderizes seafood.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Herbaceous blend brings Mediterranean warmth, paprika contributes subtle smoky undertones and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that amplifies natural scallop sweetness and provides balanced background notes.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs deliver irresistible golden texture, nutty Parmesan cheese adds savory complexity and crisp golden crust.

• Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Vibrant green parsley provides fresh herbal brightness, lemon wedges offer zesty final burst of citrusy tang to complement delicate scallops.

Tools To Help With Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Baking Dish: Essential for arranging and baking scallops evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing garlic butter and crispy topping.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Cheese Grater: Needed for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Spatula or Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading garlic butter.

Succulent Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops melt with rich Mediterranean flavors in this classic seafood dish. Delicate shellfish bathe in herbed butter, promising restaurant-quality elegance you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops (patted dry)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika (for color)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheating Preparation: Activate the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a ceramic or glass baking dish with a light butter coating or cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Garlic Butter Fusion: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian herbs, and paprika in a mixing bowl, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify into a robust sauce.
3. Scallop Arrangement and Seasoning: Distribute scallops in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring adequate spacing. Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sauce Coating and Breadcrumb Topping: Generously drench scallops with the garlic butter mixture, then create a crisp exterior by evenly sprinkling a blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
5. Culinary Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until scallops become translucent and tender. Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
6. Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges to elevate the seafood’s delicate flavor profile and provide a bright, citrusy complement.

Notes

• Select Premium Scallops: Choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops with a firm, translucent appearance and minimal moisture to prevent watery cooking and ensure perfect caramelization.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch scallops closely during baking; they become rubbery and tough when cooked beyond 15 minutes, so aim for a translucent center with golden exterior for optimal texture and tenderness.
• Master Breadcrumb Technique: Lightly toast panko breadcrumbs before adding to create extra crispiness, and mix with Parmesan to enhance both flavor and golden-brown crunch on top of the scallops.
• Temperature Control Matters: Allow scallops to reach room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven heat distribution that could compromise the delicate protein’s texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg