If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are perfect. Tender, juicy scallops are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crisp Parmesan breadcrumb topping. This elegant dish is surprisingly simple, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these scallops will elevate your dining experience.
Why This Recipe Works
Rich Garlic Butter Base: The melted butter and garlic create a luscious base that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.
Crunchy Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping: Adds texture and cheesy depth, complementing the tender scallops.
Quick Cooking Time: Scallops bake quickly, making this a fast yet luxurious dish.
Versatile Side Pairings: Perfectly pairs with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
Scallops (1 lb): Choose fresh or frozen large scallops for best results. Ensure they are patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Butter (4 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the scallops.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Creates the golden, crispy topping.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds savory and nutty notes to the topping.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Provides a pop of color and fresh, herbal flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the dish with its acidity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the scallops and garlic butter.
Lemon Wedges: Served on the side for added zing.
Equipment
Baking dish
Small mixing bowls
Measuring spoons and cups
Oven
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Arrange the Scallops
Place the scallops in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Ensure they are not overlapping to cook evenly.
Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the scallops, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In another small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Check for doneness: the scallops should be opaque and the topping should be golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the baked scallops hot, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Dry Your Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent them from steaming instead of baking.
Avoid Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. Watch closely and remove from the oven as soon as they turn opaque.
Enhance Flavor: For added depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Broil for Extra Crunch: If desired, broil the scallops for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a more golden, crispy topping.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
Creamy Risotto: A rich and comforting choice to complement the scallops’ buttery flavor.
Angel Hair Pasta: Tossed in olive oil and garlic for a light, simple pairing.
Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli add a fresh, healthy touch.
Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Fresh Salad: A mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
For drinks, serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely with a dish this delicious), store them properly:
Storage: Place the scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to prevent overcooking. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the scallops rubbery.
Repurpose: Chop the scallops and mix them into pasta, salads, or seafood chowder for a delightful second meal.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Their tender texture, buttery garlic sauce, and crispy topping make them an irresistible addition to any meal. Try this recipe, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your seafood repertoire!
