Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Simple, elegant, and incredibly flavorful, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the perfect dish for seafood lovers. Tender sea scallops are baked in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce until perfectly golden and juicy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this restaurant-quality recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic evenings, or dinner parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Rich & Flavorful – The garlic butter sauce is packed with bold, buttery goodness.
Elegant Yet Effortless – Looks gourmet but takes minimal effort.
Perfectly Juicy – Baked just right so scallops stay tender and melt in your mouth.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or over pasta or rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scallops:

• 1 lb large sea scallops (patted dry)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges
• A light dusting of paprika for color

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Paper towels (for drying scallops)
• Basting brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels—this helps them brown better and stay juicy.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.
Whisk until fully mixed.

Step 4: Add Sauce to Scallops
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure each one is coated.
Use a spoon or basting brush to distribute the mixture if needed.

Step 5: Bake the Scallops
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and just firm to the touch.
For a golden finish, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra parsley or a little paprika for color.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Success
Dry Thoroughly – Patting scallops dry helps them sear and prevents them from steaming.
Don’t Overcook – Scallops should be just cooked through and still tender.
Use Real Butter – For the richest flavor, avoid margarine or butter substitutes.
Choose Sea Scallops – Larger scallops work best for baking and stay juicier.
Add Breadcrumbs – For a crispy top, sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and lemon
• With steamed rice and a green vegetable like asparagus or green beans
• As an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• Paired with a side salad and white wine vinaigrette
• Alongside mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop – Gently reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil.
Oven – Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as scallops can become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
   Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before baking.
2. What’s the difference between bay and sea scallops?
   Sea scallops are larger and better for baking. Bay scallops are smaller and cook much faster.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce in advance.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you skip breadcrumbs.
5. Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
   You can use Pecorino Romano or leave it out entirely for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are everything you want in a dish—simple, elegant, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a dinner party, or a weeknight indulgence, this recipe will impress without the stress. The combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and buttery scallops is truly irresistible.

Try it once and it’ll become a go-to favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 460mg

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