Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of scallops with a rich, buttery garlic topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers flavorful, tender scallops with a crispy golden crust.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels and place them in a lightly greased baking dish, spacing them evenly.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each scallop, covering the tops thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
6. Step 6: For an extra crispy topping, broil the scallops for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier topping.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• If scallops are large, adjust baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover baked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid overcooking and drying them out. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before baking to achieve the best texture and ensure the topping sticks well.

What can I serve with garlic butter baked scallops?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice or pasta to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops baked to perfection with a flavorful garlic butter, breadcrumb, and Parmesan topping. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust with a juicy and savory interior, perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Scallops

• 1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry)

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the scallops evenly.
2. Prepare the scallops: Pat the sea scallops completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them carefully in a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Make the garlic butter topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Top the scallops: Spoon the prepared garlic butter breadcrumb mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring a generous and uniform coating.
5. Bake the scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scallops become opaque and the breadcrumb topping turns a lovely golden brown.
6. Optional broil for crispiness: For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil and cook the scallops for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the scallops from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy them at their best.

Notes

• Patting the scallops dry is crucial for getting a nice sear and preventing sogginess.
• Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for a crispier topping, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if needed.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley or chives.
• Cook time might vary slightly depending on the size of scallops; avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
• The optional broiling step is recommended if you love a crunchy topping, but it can be skipped if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, baked scallops, garlic scallops, seafood recipe, easy scallop recipe, baked seafood