Baked Garlic Butter Scallops : The Best Scallops Recipe Ever

When it comes to preparing seafood at home, few dishes feel as elegant and rewarding as baked garlic butter scallops. With their delicate texture, subtle sweetness, and rich buttery flavor, scallops are a luxurious yet surprisingly easy-to-make dinner. This recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon to highlight the natural flavors of fresh scallops—making it a weeknight winner or dinner-party showstopper.

Whether you’re searching for the best scallops recipe ever or just want a new take on scallop appetizer recipes, this one is quick, flavorful, and bakes to perfection in under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs and pairs well with everything from roasted vegetables to hearty grains like lemon herb quinoa.

Let’s dive into the details so you can serve up a dish that tastes like it came straight out of a coastal bistro.

Save

Why This Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe Works Every Time

This baked garlic butter scallops recipe hits the sweet spot of impressive yet effortless. Here’s why it always delivers:

• Quick to make – Prepped and cooked in 20 minutes or less
• Uses pantry staples – No complicated sauces or marinades
• Perfectly cooked every time – Baked scallops are more forgiving than pan-seared ones
• Adaptable – Works for date nights, holiday appetizers, or protein-packed dinners

And if you enjoy savory seafood mains, you’ll love our Mediterranean Fish Bake, another simple oven-cooked dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Garlic Butter Scallops

For the most delicious results, use fresh, large sea scallops. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds large sea scallops (about 16–20 scallops)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (fresh)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional for topping)

Want something hearty on the side? Try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs for a surf-and-turf style dinner.

How to Prepare Scallops for Baking

Before seasoning, scallops need a bit of prep to ensure they cook evenly and don’t turn rubbery.

1. Thaw properly if using frozen scallops—place them in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the side muscle—this small, rectangular tag can be chewy.
3. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which ensures caramelization.
4. Season lightly with salt and pepper before adding the butter mixture.

If you love prep-friendly seafood, check out our Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas for another minimal-fuss protein dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter for Scallops

The heart of this recipe is its aromatic, lemony garlic butter sauce. Here’s how to make it:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Whisk until smooth. Pour over the scallops before baking.

Optional: Stir in some parmesan for a rich, golden crust on top.

You can also use this same garlic butter on shrimp, like in our Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups.

Save

How to Bake Garlic Butter Scallops to Perfection

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops.
4. Optional: Sprinkle with grated parmesan for a crispy finish.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and firm.
6. Broil for the final 2–3 minutes for extra golden tops.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

These are also perfect alongside Sweet Potato Toast or a bowl of Roasted Vegetable Quinoa.

Serving Ideas: Turn Baked Scallops into a 5-Star Meal

Here are some ways to turn these baked garlic butter scallops into a memorable dinner:

• Over angel hair pasta with spinach
• On top of mashed cauliflower or polenta
• Served with Pumpkin Gnocchi for a cozy fall meal
• Paired with garlicky sautéed greens or roasted asparagus
• Inside lettuce cups for a low-carb meal

Scallop Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining

These baked scallops also work well as an appetizer. To serve as starters:

• Use small ramekins for individual portions
• Garnish with microgreens and lemon zest
• Serve with crusty Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
• Pair with dipping sauces or citrus aioli

For holiday spreads, these go well next to Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Fluff Dip.

Delicious Recipes with Scallops You’ll Love

Looking to build a seafood night around your baked scallops? Try these too:

• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
• Grilled California Avocado Chicken
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as a spicy side
• Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for a refreshing beverage

Baked Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Try one of these:

• Spicy Scallops – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne
• Cheesy Scallops – Top with mozzarella or parmesan before baking
• Lemon Herb – Add thyme or dill for a Mediterranean twist
• Panko Crusted – Sprinkle with panko before baking for extra crunch
• Bacon-Wrapped – Wrap each scallop with turkey bacon before baking

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Here are some sides to turn this into a satisfying meal:

• Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
• Vegetarian Pasta Primavera
• One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole
• Steamed green beans or grilled zucchini
• Brown rice, orzo, or couscous

Scallops are also fantastic with a drizzle of honey-lemon glaze or a dollop of compound butter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Scallops

• Overbaking – Watch carefully; they should be just opaque
• Using wet scallops – Dry well before cooking to avoid steaming
• Overcrowding the pan – Space them out to cook evenly
• Skipping the seasoning – Garlic, salt, and lemon are essential

These tips also apply to cooking other shellfish. See how we prep similar dishes like Air Fryer Fried Pickles for crispy perfection.

Save

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Scallops

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes. Thaw completely in the fridge or under cold water, then pat very dry.

How do I know when scallops are done baking?
They turn opaque and feel firm to the touch—usually after 12–15 minutes in the oven.

Do I need to remove the side muscle?
Yes. It’s a tough tendon that doesn’t soften during cooking. Simply pull it off.

What’s the difference between bay and sea scallops?
Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter. Sea scallops are larger and ideal for baking.

How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

Tools You’ll Need for Baking Scallops

• Oven-safe baking dish
• Garlic press
• Zester or microplane
• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Silicone brush (optional for basting)

Want a dessert after your scallops? Try our crowd-pleasing Apple Crisp or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Print