Description
Baked Garlic Butter Scallops are quick, tender, and loaded with savory buttery flavor. This restaurant-style seafood recipe bakes in just 15 minutes and is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops (about 15–18 large scallops)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Pat scallops dry and remove the side muscle if present.
- Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the scallops evenly.
- Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use dry-packed scallops and pat them thoroughly dry before baking.
- Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs and Parmesan are optional for a crunchy topping.
- Serve with rice, salad, or vegetables for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 scallops
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Baked Garlic Butter Scallops, Scallops Dinner, Scallop Appetizer Recipes, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, Seafood Dinner Easy