Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality seafood to your home kitchen. Tender scallops are topped with a flavorful garlic butter and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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 scallops completely dry with paper towels and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each scallop.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
6. Step 6: For an extra crisp topping, broil the scallops for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh sea scallops if possible for the best flavor and texture.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Substitute parsley with fresh thyme or basil for a different herb aroma.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5–7 minutes to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the scallops rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, frozen scallops can be used—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

How can I tell when scallops are cooked?

Cooked scallops turn opaque and firm but still tender. Overcooking will make them tough, so bake just until opaque and the topping is golden.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

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

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops feature tender, juicy sea scallops topped with a flavorful mixture of melted butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and paprika, baked to golden perfection. This easy and elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Scallops

• 1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry)

Topping

• 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)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the scallops evenly and achieving a golden topping.
2. Prepare the scallops: Pat the sea scallops completely dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then place them evenly spaced in a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Make the garlic butter topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until well blended.
4. Apply the topping: Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring each one is generously covered for maximum flavor and a crispy crust.
5. Bake the scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the scallops become opaque and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crisp.
6. Optional broiling: For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the scallops for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the scallops from the oven, garnish them with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy their warm, buttery goodness.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are dry before baking to achieve a better sear and prevent sogginess.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier topping.
• Broil briefly only if you want extra crispiness; watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal note but is optional.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.

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

Keywords: baked scallops, garlic butter scallops, seafood recipe, dinner, easy scallop recipe, Parmesan scallops