🍽 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Here’s a complete, detailed recipe for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops — a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that melts in your mouth with buttery, garlicky flavor.

🍽 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

⭐ Overview:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American / Seafood

🧂 Ingredients:

For the Scallops:

1 pound (450 g) fresh sea scallops
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 cloves garlic (minced finely)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for light color and flavor)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (Panko preferred, for a crispy top)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

🔪 Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Rinse the scallops gently under cold water.
Pat them completely dry with paper towels — this helps them bake properly and prevents steaming.
If there’s a small side muscle attached to the scallop, remove it (it’s a little tough strip on the side).

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together: melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Taste the mixture — it should be buttery, slightly tangy, and garlicky.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a shallow baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or oil.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the dish, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
Sprinkle each scallop with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using) for a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the scallops are just cooked through.
- They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Avoid overbaking — overcooked scallops become rubbery.
If you want a golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Pair with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed asparagus.

💡 Chef’s Tips:

Fresh scallops are best, but frozen ones can be used if thawed completely and patted dry.
Do not overcrowd the pan — it ensures even cooking.
Add a touch of white wine (1 tablespoon) to the butter mixture for a richer flavor.
For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a drop of olive oil before sprinkling.