Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy scallops that deliver a symphony of flavors with every bite. Our Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe captures the essence of fine dining right in your own kitchen. This dish is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or simple weeknight meals when you crave something extraordinary. The brilliant combination of melted garlic butter, crisp breadcrumbs, and the delicate saltiness of sea scallops achieves an exquisite harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing!

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a gourmet dish that rivals anything you’d find at a fancy seafood restaurant. Not to mention, scallops are a fantastic source of lean protein, making them a healthy choice to enjoy while pampering yourself with this delightful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Easy Recipe: With straightforward instructions, this dish is perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor that elevates the natural sweetness of scallops.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s great for weeknight dinners or quick entertaining.
Elegant Presentation: The golden, crispy topping and succulent scallops make for a beautiful centerpiece on any dinner table.
Health Conscious: Scallops are low in calories and high in protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare both your kitchen and your ingredients. Start by ensuring you have all your ingredients ready at hand: fresh sea scallops, garlic, butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) is crucial, as this will ensure the scallops cook evenly and efficiently.

In terms of cookware, you’ll need a baking dish—preferably a shallow one that allows heat circulation around the scallops. A small mixing bowl will come in handy for combining the garlic butter and other flavor boosters. Finally, a spatula or spoon is useful for drizzling and spreading the ingredients. Ensure you have a sharp knife for mincing the garlic as well, and you’re all set to create this delightful dish!

Ingredients

1 lb sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the scallops will cook perfectly in the right amount of time, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The preheated oven will allow the golden crust on top to form beautifully as well.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir this mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended. This buttery concoction will infuse the scallops with rich flavors, making every bite a delight!

Step 3: Arrange the Scallops

Take a greased baking dish and place the cleaned scallops in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This arrangement helps them cook evenly, giving you that perfect, tender texture. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter evenly over the scallops, making sure to cover each one generously.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In another small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This combination will create a deliciously crunchy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops—make sure to coat them well so every bite has a contrast of textures. The Parmesan will add a savory depth that complements the dish wonderfully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. Keep an eye on the scallops; they are done when they appear opaque and firm to the touch and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. This is where the magic happens—the heat transforms your ingredients into a stunning culinary masterpiece!

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color if desired. Serve warm and watch as your guests light up at the sight of your delicious Garlic Butter Baked Scallops!

Variations

Protein: Substitute scallops with shrimp or add crab meat for a different seafood delight.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or diced tomatoes for a burst of color and added nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for extra flavor.

Cooking Notes

Ensure scallops are properly dried before baking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect cooking time.
Be cautious not to overbake the scallops; they can become tough if left in the oven too long.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and elegant meal.
Serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra citrusy zing.

Tips

For added flavor, use garlic-infused butter or olive oil instead of plain butter.
Make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–28 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 510mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, frozen scallops can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before preparing them for baking.

How can I tell when scallops are done cooking?

Scallops are perfectly cooked when they are opaque and firm to the touch. The edges should slightly curl, indicating they are tender.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Just ensure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed to accommodate the increased quantity.

What can I serve with baked scallops?

Baked scallops pair wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. They also go great with white wine.

Conclusion

Bringing the taste of the ocean right to your dinner table, our Garlic Butter Baked Scallops offer both sophistication and simplicity. They are guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them, and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up! Next time you want to indulge, remember that you can create this delightful dish at home without any fuss. Do share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or try a new variation, and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy cooking!