Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic butter baked scallops are a luxurious yet incredibly simple dish that transforms sweet, tender scallops into a golden, buttery masterpiece. This recipe is perfect for both special occasions and casual weeknight dinners, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The scallops are bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, lightly seasoned, and baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s both elegant and indulgent. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to impress your guests, these garlic butter baked scallops are sure to please. Pair them with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to assemble.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: The garlic butter sauce elevates the natural sweetness of the scallops, offering a flavor profile that rivals fine dining.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these scallops as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for pasta or rice.
• Healthful and Light: Scallops are naturally low in calories and high in protein, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
• Elegant Presentation: The golden-brown topping and succulent scallops make for a visually stunning dish, perfect for entertaining.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 5-6 scallops per person

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients

For the Scallops

• 1 lb fresh sea scallops (approximately 20-25 scallops)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a tender texture and ensuring the scallops don’t release excess moisture while baking.
• Lightly season the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and half of the parsley.
• Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

3. Arrange the Scallops

• Lightly grease a baking dish or ovenproof skillet with olive oil. Arrange the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.

4. Add the Topping

• Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops.
• Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the scallops for a golden, crispy finish. Dust with paprika for added color and flavor.

5. Bake the Scallops

• Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
• If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a lightly browned, crispy topping. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the scallops from the oven and garnish with the remaining parsley and lemon zest.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Ingredient Background

Scallops

Scallops are bivalve mollusks prized for their tender, slightly sweet meat. Sea scallops, larger than their bay counterparts, are ideal for baking. Look for dry-packed scallops, which are untreated and free from added water or chemicals. These yield better texture and flavor compared to wet-packed scallops.

Garlic

Fresh garlic infuses the butter sauce with aromatic depth. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a savory, umami-rich layer to the dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.

Panko Breadcrumbs

While optional, panko breadcrumbs contribute a light, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender scallops.

Technique Tips

• Pat Dry for Perfection: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear or bake. Dry scallops with paper towels to ensure they don’t steam instead of bake.
• Even Cooking: Arrange the scallops in a single layer with space between them to promote even heat circulation.
• Broiling for Crispiness: For a golden, crispy finish, broil the scallops briefly at the end of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Test for Doneness: Scallops are done when they turn opaque and feel slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them rubbery.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Over Pasta: Toss the baked scallops with linguine or fettuccine and a bit of reserved garlic butter sauce for an elegant seafood pasta.
• On a Salad: Serve the scallops atop a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a fresh and healthy option.
• As an Appetizer: Skewer individual scallops and serve them on a platter for an upscale appetizer presentation.
• In a Shell: Serve the scallops in their shells for a stunning and traditional coastal presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Scallops: Let the scallops sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality scallops, butter, and Parmesan for the best results.
• Season Generously: Proper seasoning enhances the delicate flavor of scallops. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Herb Scallops

Add fresh thyme or dill to the garlic butter sauce for a fragrant twist. Increase the lemon juice and zest for a brighter flavor.

Spicy Garlic Butter Scallops

Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Asian-Inspired Scallops

Substitute the Parmesan and panko with a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Creamy Baked Scallops

Pour a small amount of heavy cream into the baking dish before adding the scallops. The cream blends with the garlic butter for an extra indulgent sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C).

Freezing

• While fresh scallops are best, cooked scallops can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat carefully to avoid overcooking.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use clarified butter or olive oil instead of regular butter to reduce saturated fat.
• Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, lower-calorie option.
• Serve the scallops over a bed of steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Elegant Dinner Parties

Pair garlic butter baked scallops with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Add roasted asparagus and wild rice for a sophisticated plate.

Casual Gatherings

Serve the scallops with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Romantic Dinners

Create a surf-and-turf feast by pairing the scallops with filet mignon or lamb chops, along with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Special Equipment

• Baking Dish: Use a shallow, oven-safe dish to bake the scallops evenly.
• Microplane: A fine grater or microplane is perfect for zesting the lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Basting Brush: Helps evenly distribute the garlic butter sauce over the scallops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, frozen scallops can be used. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before cooking.

2. How do I prevent scallops from being rubbery?

Avoid overcooking. Scallops only need about 12-15 minutes in the oven; they’re done when opaque and slightly firm.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

4. What sides pair well with baked scallops?

Great options include risotto, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh arugula salad.

5. Can I grill the scallops instead?

Yes! Brush the scallops with the garlic butter sauce and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

6. What wine pairs best with scallops?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements scallops beautifully.

7. Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! Try adding crumbled bacon, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.

8. Are scallops healthy?

Yes, scallops are low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion

Garlic butter baked scallops are the epitome of elegance and ease, combining tender, sweet seafood with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Whether served for a celebratory dinner or as a simple weeknight treat, this dish never fails to impress. With its quick preparation, customizable variations, and versatile serving options, garlic butter baked scallops are a must-have recipe for any seafood lover. Try them today and savor a taste of the sea, elevated by the simplicity of homemade cooking!