Try This Savory Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe Tonight

Crispy golden scallops drenched in garlic butter have been my secret dinner party weapon for years.

These delicate seafood gems deserve more than just a quick sauté.

Marine-fresh shellfish transform when baked with rich, aromatic ingredients that complement their natural sweetness.

Salt and pepper play supporting roles to the star ingredient’s tender texture.

Restaurants charge premium prices for dishes like this, but you can easily replicate the magic at home.

Quick and elegant preparations make these scallops perfect for unexpected guests or romantic evenings.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• What makes these scallops different from other seafood recipes?

These garlic butter baked scallops combine a rich, flavorful butter sauce with a crispy Parmesan panko topping, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs gives the scallops an incredible depth of flavor.

• Are scallops difficult to cook at home?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make scallops tough. Baking them for just 12-15 minutes ensures they remain tender and juicy, with a delicious golden crispy top.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the scallops brown nicely and prevents them from becoming watery.

• What should I look for when buying scallops?

Choose fresh scallops that look moist but not wet, with a sweet, ocean-like smell. They should be firm and have a creamy white or light beige color. Avoid scallops that look too white or have a strong fishy odor.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Taste So Rich

• Whip Up a Gourmet Seafood Delight: This garlic butter baked scallops recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for impressing guests without complicated cooking techniques.
• Create a Quick Weeknight Wonder: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy home cooks craving a luxurious seafood dinner that doesn't require extensive preparation or culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: The versatile recipe allows for simple modifications like swapping breadcrumbs, adjusting seasonings, or adding different herbs, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Enjoy a Healthier Indulgence: Baking instead of frying keeps the scallops light and tender while using minimal butter, providing a nutritious protein option that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

What You Need For Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet ocean protein that forms the main dish, best when large and dry-packed for optimal texture.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty combination that adds depth and cuts through the richness of seafood.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Warm, aromatic spices that provide subtle complexity and color to the dish.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy elements that create a luxurious coating and golden crispy texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, crisp coating that adds delightful crunch and golden appearance.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out natural scallop flavors.

• Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Fresh, vibrant finishing touches that provide color and bright citrus accent.

How To Bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Crank your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray or a gentle butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Explosion

• Melted butter
• Freshly chopped garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Italian herb blend
• Sprinkle of paprika

Whisk these treasures together until they become best friends.

Step 3: Arrange the Ocean Gems

Carefully place your tender scallops in a single, beautiful layer across the baking dish. Give them a light shower of salt and pepper, then lovingly drench them with the flavor explosion you just created.

Step 4: Build the Crunchy Crown

• Crispy panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Shower this golden mixture over the scallops like culinary confetti.

Step 5: Transform in the Oven

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let the magic happen for 12-15 minutes until the scallops turn from translucent to opaque and become perfectly tender. For extra pizzazz, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to create a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 6: Bring the Dish to Life

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top like a vibrant green blanket. Serve immediately with bright lemon wedges on the side for that final burst of sunshine.

Pro Tip: These ocean delights are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the oven to the plate!

Tips For Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Prevent Overcooking: Check scallops frequently during baking to avoid turning rubbery; they cook quickly and become tough when exceeded 15 minutes.
• Select Premium Scallops: Choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops for best flavor and texture, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary restrictions.
• Master Seasoning Balance: Use light salt since Parmesan cheese already provides saltiness; taste garlic butter mixture before pouring over scallops.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Pat scallops completely dry before seasoning to help butter and spices adhere better and promote beautiful golden browning.

Store Garlic Butter Baked Scallops The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover scallops in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored seafood maintains its best quality for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 275F for 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make scallops tough and rubbery.
• Never freeze cooked scallops, as they will lose their delicate texture and become watery when thawed.
• Always consume refrigerated seafood quickly to ensure the best taste and food safety.

Pairing Ideas For Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the delicate scallop flavor, cutting through the rich garlic butter with their bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Risotto: Creamy parmesan risotto with fresh herbs creates a luxurious base that absorbs the garlic butter and enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Match with Citrus-Dressed Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery scallops, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough or French bread helps soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning this dish into a complete and satisfying meal.

Tasty Variations For Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with chili flakes and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a heat-packed version that tingles taste buds.
• Mediterranean Marine Medley: Swap panko with crushed pistachios and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired coastal flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Oceanic Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped dill, chives, and tarragon into the garlic butter mixture for an aromatic herbal transformation that elevates the scallops' natural sweetness.
• Asian Fusion Seafood Style: Mix soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the butter sauce, then top with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an Eastern-inspired culinary experience.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops emerge as a luxurious seafood delight that promises elegance on any dinner plate. Golden-brown edges and rich buttery flavors invite passionate cooks to savor Mediterranean-inspired simplicity you’ll want to recreate again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops (patted dry)

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients and Herbs:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking foundation by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C) and creating a non-stick surface in a ceramic or glass baking vessel using a light butter coating or cooking spray.
2. Craft a luxurious garlic butter infusion by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice, aromatic Italian herbs, and a sprinkle of vibrant paprika in a mixing bowl, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
3. Carefully arrange plump, pristine scallops in a single, uniform layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring each mollusk has ample space. Delicately season with a conservative pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Lavishly drench the scallops with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously coated and glistening with the fragrant sauce.
5. Develop a crisp, golden crown by blending panko breadcrumbs with finely grated Parmesan cheese, then generously dusting this mixture across the scallops to create a textural contrast.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, allowing the scallops to transform into tender, translucent gems over 12-15 minutes. For an extra touch of golden perfection, activate the broiler for a brief 1-2 minute finale.
7. Complete the culinary presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish and accompanying with bright, zesty lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s delicate flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops with a pearly white color and firm texture for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they brown nicely and don’t release excess moisture during baking.
• Avoid overcooking scallops, as they can quickly become rubbery and tough; watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking.
• Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour 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: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg