Irresistibly Zesty Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Golden memories shimmer around these delectable garlic butter baked scallops that transport me straight to coastal summer evenings.

Salty ocean breezes dance through my kitchen whenever I prepare this elegant dish.

Tender seafood morsels glisten under a rich, aromatic coating that whispers sophisticated comfort.

Restaurant-quality flavors emerge from simple ingredients waiting in your pantry.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for curious home cooks eager to impress.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge with classic American culinary traditions in this sublime recipe.

Dive into an effortless culinary adventure that promises pure seafood bliss.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are So Popular

• Garlic Butter Baked Scallops offer a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Prepare this elegant dish in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious seafood dinner.
• The combination of garlic butter, crispy breadcrumbs, and tender scallops creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both seafood lovers and skeptics.
• Easily serve as a sophisticated appetizer, main course, or impressive date night meal that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Tender ocean delicacy with a sweet and delicate flavor, best when fresh and dry-packed.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a pungent and warm base flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complexity and Mediterranean flair.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and light reddish color.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that helps create a luxurious sauce and promotes golden browning.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy coating that adds textural contrast.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that creates a crisp golden topping.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and bright herbal notes.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus for squeezing and additional zesty flavor.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Crushed garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Italian herb blend
• Sprinkle of paprika

Stir until everything mingles beautifully.

Step 3: Arrange Sea Treasures

Nestle scallops in a single layer across the baking dish. Dust with a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper.

Drizzle the magical garlic butter sauce evenly over each delicate morsel.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Crown

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Shower the scallops with this crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until scallops turn pearly white and feel tender.

For extra golden edges, flip on the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Juicy and Golden-Baked Scallops

• Choose Fresh Scallops: Select large, plump sea scallops with a creamy white or light beige color and a sweet, ocean-like smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Avoid Overcooking: Watch cooking time carefully, as scallops become tough and rubbery when baked too long; they're done when just opaque and slightly springy to touch.
• Customize Breadcrumb Topping: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds for a low-carb or gluten-free variation that still provides delicious crunch.
• Control Butter Richness: Substitute half the butter with olive oil to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, flavorful sauce for health-conscious diners.

How to Keep Leftovers Tasty

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the coolest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Warm gently in the oven at 275F for 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain the delicate texture of the scallops.
• Skip microwave reheating as it can quickly toughen the seafood and destroy its tender texture.
• Best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for optimal flavor and food safety, discarding any scallops that smell unusual or look discolored.

What Complements Baked Scallops

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate scallop flavor and cut through the rich garlic butter.
• Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs creates a delightful base that absorbs the garlic butter without overwhelming the scallops.
• Tender asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and sea salt provide a fresh, green counterpoint to the buttery seafood dish.
• Warm, rustic bread helps soak up the remaining garlic butter, turning every bite into a delicious experience.

Flavors to Mix Into Your Scallops

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped nuts to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the crunchy topping.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products while preserving rich flavor.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh dill, thyme, or basil instead of Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate scallops.

Questions Answered About Baked Scallops

• Are scallops easy to prepare at home?

Scallops are surprisingly simple to cook. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills. Just ensure you don’t overcook them to maintain their tender texture.

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for an opaque, slightly firm appearance and a pearly white color. They should take about 12-15 minutes in the oven. Overcooked scallops become rubbery and tough, so watch them carefully.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator first. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better golden crust and prevents steaming.

• What makes the crispy topping so special?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy, flavorful layer that adds texture and enhances the overall taste of the scallops.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic butter baked scallops shine as a luxurious seafood delicacy that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness. Succulent sea treasures bathed in herb-infused butter promise an elegant dining experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) sea scallops (patted dry)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavor-packed garlic butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, tangy lemon juice, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika in a mixing bowl.
3. Arrange fresh scallops in a single, even layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Season the scallops with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
5. Generously drizzle the prepared garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each piece is well-coated and glistening.
6. Craft a crispy topping by combining golden panko breadcrumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
7. Liberally scatter the breadcrumb and cheese mixture across the scallops, creating a textural and flavorful crust.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes, watching for the scallops to turn opaque and become tender.
9. For an extra-golden finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
11. Serve immediately alongside bright lemon wedges to add a citrusy zest to the dish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor without excess water.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when baking.
• Avoid overcooking by checking scallops at the 12-minute mark; they should be slightly translucent in the center and opaque white.
• 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: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg