Nothing beats the cozy, inviting aroma of perfectly cooked scallops bathed in rich, garlicky butter and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is pure magic for anyone who loves simple yet sensational seafood dishes that come together quickly but feel indulgently special. With tender, juicy scallops enveloped in a luscious butter sauce and a crisp Parmesan-panko topping, this dish strikes a beautiful balance between elegance and comfort—making it an irresistible culinary treasure you’ll want to share and savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role to create that harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe so delightful. From fresh scallops to fragrant garlic and zesty lemon, each component is simple yet indispensable.
- Sea scallops (1 1/2 pounds, patted dry): Using dry scallops ensures a tender texture and prevents excess water from diluting the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): This rich, creamy base carries the garlic and lemon flavors while keeping the scallops moist.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory aroma that’s absolutely irresistible alongside seafood.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, preferably panko): Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crunchy topping that contrasts the soft scallops.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Parmesan adds a nutty, savory layer that melts beautifully and boosts the topping’s flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with a subtle tangy note, balancing the richness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle hint of paprika gives warmth and a touch of color to the butter mix.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges: These provide a fresh, vibrant finish and extra zing when serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a shallow baking dish. This helps prevent the scallops from sticking and sets the stage for an even bake, which is key to achieving that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and season with salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed—this sauce is the heart of the recipe, packing that classic garlic butter punch that complements the scallops beautifully.
Step 3: Arrange the Scallops
Place your scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spacing them ensures each scallop cooks evenly and gets coated well with the butter mixture.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Add the Topping
Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops to ensure every bite is flavorful. Then, in another small bowl, mix your panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. This step adds that irresistible crunch and cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the scallops for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp. For an extra touch of browning, switch to the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top along with fresh lemon wedges. This vibrant garnish adds color, freshness, and an optional citrusy pop right at the table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice, lending a bright green color and subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of freshly cut lemon over the scallops right before eating adds a lifting acidity that wakes up your palate.
Side Dishes
To complement the tender scallops and buttery sauce, consider serving this recipe alongside a bed of fluffy white rice, garlic butter pasta, or even some crusty artisan bread to soak up those delicious juices. Light, crisp salads also work beautifully to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, try serving the scallops in individual ramekins or on a bed of sautéed spinach. You can also layer them over a creamy risotto or even spoon the scallops and sauce atop roasted vegetables for a hearty, colorful plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The scallops will remain flavorful but enjoy them soon to keep the texture fresh and tender.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is possible but not ideal because their delicate texture may become rubbery upon thawing. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the scallops gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen delicate seafood. Reheating slowly helps maintain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture is crucial for proper browning and ensuring the scallops don’t become watery.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko is preferred because it’s lighter and crunchier, giving that beautifully crisp topping that’s signature to this recipe.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy, gluten-free topping without sacrificing texture.
How do I know when scallops are done?
Scallops are perfectly cooked when they become opaque and firm to the touch but still tender. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so bake just until they change color and the topping is golden.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and ensure the scallops are in a single layer. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, keeping an eye on the scallops for doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe that captures the essence of simple luxury in a meal you can quickly prepare at home. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion dish, these scallops impress with their velvety texture and flavorful garlicky crust. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you crave a delicious seafood delight that’s both comforting and elegant.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe features tender sea scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Perfectly seasoned with lemon juice and paprika, this easy and flavorful dish makes an elegant main course that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scallops and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops (patted dry)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
- Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Arrange Scallops: Place the dried sea scallops in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring even spacing for uniform cooking. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops so each one gets coated.
- Prepare Topping: In another small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra golden and crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and cook the scallops for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the scallops from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter.
Notes
- Patting scallops dry before cooking is essential to ensure they bake evenly and develop a nice texture.
- Serve the scallops over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to fully enjoy the flavorful butter sauce.
