Short Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious and elegant seafood dish featuring tender scallops baked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. With a golden breadcrumb topping and a hint of lemon, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated appetizer for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Rich & Buttery: A luxurious garlic butter sauce enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness.
Healthy & Light: High in protein and low in carbs, making it a nutritious choice.
Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer or main course.
Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy gourmet seafood at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Fresh or frozen sea scallops (thawed and patted dry)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Panko breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive oil (for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare Scallops: Pat scallops dry and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Scallops: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops.
Add Topping: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, and parsley. Sprinkle the mixture over the scallops.
Bake: Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh thyme or oregano for more depth of flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Increase Parmesan for a richer, cheesy topping.
Lemon Butter Sauce: Double the lemon juice for a zesty finish.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 17-20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes as they cook faster.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque and slightly firm, with an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.

What side dishes pair well with baked scallops?

They go well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the butter sauce and breadcrumb topping ahead, but bake fresh for best results.

How do I prevent scallops from being overcooked?

Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to avoid a rubbery texture.

Can I add white wine to the recipe?

Yes! A splash of white wine enhances the garlic butter sauce.

Do I need to remove the side muscle from scallops?

Yes, if present, remove the small, tough muscle on the side before cooking.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before baking.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a topping alternative.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of scallops with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, this easy-to-make seafood recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality seafood at home!

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