Luscious Silky Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Fans

Succulent scallops dancing in garlic butter create a mouthwatering culinary experience that melts effortlessly on your plate.

These delicate seafood gems promise an elegant dinner that feels both luxurious and surprisingly simple.

Each scallop transforms with golden-brown edges and a buttery richness that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Tender and delicate, they require minimal preparation but deliver maximum flavor.

The combination of fresh scallops and rich garlic butter ensures a restaurant-quality dish you can easily master at home.

Light, quick, and utterly delicious, this recipe will become your new favorite seafood indulgence.

Let’s unlock the secret to perfectly baked scallops that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 4

How to Make Garlic Butter Scallops in the Oven

• Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip together melted butter, crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, Italian herbs, and a dash of paprika in a small mixing bowl.

• Arrange Ocean Treasures

Nestle the scallops in a single layer, giving them a gentle sprinkle of salt and pepper. Drizzle the buttery goodness evenly across the delicate seafood.

• Add Crunchy Excitement

Mix panko crumbs with Parmesan to create a crispy crown for your scallops. Shower this golden mixture over the top.

• Transform in the Oven

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let the magic happen for 12-15 minutes. The scallops will turn beautifully opaque and tender. For extra pizzazz, blast under the broiler for a quick 1-2 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden finish.

• Present with Flair

Shower with fresh chopped parsley and serve with bright lemon wedges. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy seafood feast right at home!

Tips for Cooking Garlic Butter Scallops

• Perfect Scallop Techniques: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without excess moisture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic butter and assemble scallops in the baking dish up to 2 hours ahead, refrigerating until ready to bake for convenient entertaining.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Seafood Selection Pro: Choose fresh, large sea scallops with a firm, pearly white appearance and minimal liquid for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: For an extra flavor dimension, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.

How to Serve Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter

• Elegant Dinner Plate Pairing: Serve these succulent scallops alongside creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes to create a luxurious seafood experience that elevates the entire meal.
• Bright Mediterranean Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc and a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the garlic butter's rich flavors.
• Coastal Brunch Inspiration: Transform this dish into a light weekend brunch by placing scallops atop toasted sourdough bread, garnishing with extra herbs and serving with mimosas for a delightful morning feast.
• Protein-Packed Side Suggestion: Combine with roasted asparagus or green beans to add nutritious vegetables that balance the delicate texture of the perfectly baked scallops.

Storing Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Safely

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness and safety.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm scallops in a preheated oven at 275F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their delicate texture, avoiding microwave which can make them rubbery and tough.
• Freezing Window: Wrap cooled scallops tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 weeks, ensuring minimal moisture exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare garlic butter mixture and season scallops up to 24 hours before cooking, storing covered in the refrigerator to develop deeper flavor profiles and streamline meal preparation.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet-tasting seafood with delicate texture that absorbs flavors beautifully; look for firm, moist scallops with a pearly white color and mild ocean scent.

• Garlic, Minced: Aromatic ingredient adding depth and warmth to the dish; choose fresh garlic cloves for most intense flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that tenderizes scallops and adds zesty freshness; use freshly squeezed for best taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend that provides complex Mediterranean flavor profile; opt for high-quality dried herb mix.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish color; choose sweet or smoked variety based on preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance overall taste; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates irresistible golden, crunchy layer with nutty, umami undertones; select finely grated Parmesan and Japanese-style panko for best texture.
• Butter, Melted: Rich, velvety base that brings all ingredients together and provides luxurious mouthfeel; use unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Parsley, Chopped: Fresh, bright garnish that adds color and herbal note; select vibrant green, crisp leaves.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional serving accompaniment for additional citrusy brightness and visual appeal.

Tools for Baking Garlic Butter Scallops

• Baking Dish: Essential for arranging and baking scallops evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing garlic butter and crispy topping.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring seasonings and ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients safely.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating Parmesan cheese.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: Helps to spread melted butter evenly.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for serving baked scallops.

Silky Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops deliver a luxurious seafood experience from coastal kitchens. Delicate marine flavors combine with rich butter and aromatic garlic, inviting diners to savor Mediterranean-inspired elegance on their plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops (patted dry)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika (for color)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsps parsley (fresh, chopped)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adhesion.
2. Flavor Infusion: Whisk melted butter with finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant sauce.
3. Scallop Arrangement: Position fresh scallops in a single, uncrowded layer within the prepared dish, then delicately season with salt and black pepper.
4. Sauce Application: Drench the scallops thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage and glistening appearance.
5. Crispy Topping Creation: Blend panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle generously over the scallops to form a textural crust.
6. Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until scallops transform to an opaque, tender state.
7. Final Browning: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish, monitoring closely to prevent charring.
8. Presentation: Withdraw from oven, embellish with fresh parsley, and accompany with lemon wedges for a zesty complement.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long; watch carefully and remove from oven the moment they turn opaque and slightly firm.
• Moisture Matters: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
• Breadcrumb Technique: Toast panko breadcrumbs lightly before adding to create extra crunch and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature scallops for even cooking and allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to promote uniform heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg