Indulge in a restaurant-quality seafood dish with these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, a quick and elegant recipe that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.

Tender, juicy scallops are baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.

This dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Serve it with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to delight!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Baking dish
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Ingredients Overview

Scallops: Fresh or thawed sea scallops for a tender, sweet base.
Garlic Butter: A rich, flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, and herbs.
Breadcrumbs: Add a crispy, golden topping.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Scallops

1 lb sea scallops (pat dry)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping

½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter

For Garnish

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the garlic butter sauce over the scallops. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

Calories: ~300
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Protein: ~25g

Expert Tips

Fresh Scallops: Use fresh scallops for the best flavor and texture.
Extra Crispy: Broil the scallops for 1-2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy topping.
Make Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter sauce and breadcrumb topping ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Use crushed crackers or panko as a substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but store the scallops and toppings separately. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Extra Herbs: Add fresh thyme or dill to the sauce for extra flavor.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Indulge in a restaurant-quality seafood dish with these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, a quick and elegant recipe that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

For the Scallops
1 lb sea scallops pat dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
For Garnish
Fresh parsley chopped
Lemon wedges

Equipment

- Baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the scallops. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

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