1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious and elegant seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This easy recipe features large scallops coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The scallops are baked until tender and juicy, with a golden-brown topping that adds the perfect crunch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the butter. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, this dish is both simple and impressive, making it ideal for a fancy dinner without the fuss. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:08:14 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Save it
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops | myhomemaderecipe.com
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious yet simple dish that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender scallops, rich garlic butter, and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping makes this meal a hit every time. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress guests, these baked scallops are a quick and elegant solution that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Scallops: 1 lb of large, fresh scallops forms the base of this dish. Pat them dry to ensure they cook evenly and develop a perfect texture.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons of melted butter are used to coat the scallops and create a rich, flavorful base.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves of minced garlic add a robust flavor to the butter sauce.
  • Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender scallops.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb topping.
  • Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley adds freshness and color to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that the scallops bake evenly and the breadcrumb topping crisps perfectly.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This garlic butter mixture will add flavor and moisture to the scallops as they bake.
Step 3:
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure the scallops are dry by patting them with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from watering down the sauce.
Step 4:
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring that each one is well-coated. The garlic and butter will seep into the scallops, infusing them with flavor as they bake.
Step 5:
In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. This mixture will create a crispy, golden topping that complements the soft texture of the scallops.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops. Make sure each scallop is topped with a generous amount for the perfect bite.
Step 7:
Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. The breadcrumb topping should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 8:
Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are best served immediately after baking while the scallops are tender and the topping is still crispy. Pair them with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
  • These scallops pair beautifully with light side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the scallops rubbery.

Helpful Notes

  • Make sure to pat the scallops dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent them from browning and cause them to steam rather than bake.
  • If you'd like a crispier topping, broil the scallops for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Thomas Keller recommends using fresh, large sea scallops for the best flavor and texture. Avoid small bay scallops, as they cook too quickly and can easily become overdone.
  • Chef Jamie Oliver suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle kick of heat that complements the sweetness of the scallops.
  • Chef Ina Garten recommends finishing the dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a quick dinner. Tender scallops are baked in garlic butter with a golden Parmesan breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 lb scallops)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 1 lb large scallops, patted dry.
02 4 tbsp butter, melted.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1/4 cup breadcrumbs.
05 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
06 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped.
07 1 tbsp lemon juice.
08 Salt and pepper to taste.
09 Lemon wedges (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the garlic butter sauce.

Step 03

Place the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish.

Step 04

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 05

In another small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to make the topping.

Step 06

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.

Step 07

Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are opaque and the topping is golden brown.

Step 08

Serve the baked scallops hot with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus flavor.

Notes

  1. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the scallops and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque.
  2. You can broil the scallops for the last 1-2 minutes to get a crispier topping.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 25 g