Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and delicate seafood flavors. This simple yet exquisite dish highlights the natural sweetness of scallops while infusing them with a garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these scallops make for a restaurant-quality dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare at home. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful seafood masterpiece that will impress your family and guests.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb large sea scallops
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
• Preheat theoven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring they sear properly and don’t release too much liquid while baking.
• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper cooking.
• Drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over the scallops, making sure each one is well coated for maximum flavor.
• In a separate bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the scallops for a golden, crispy topping.
• Lightly drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them brown beautifully while baking.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops turn opaque and the topping becomes golden brown. Be careful not to overcook, as scallops can become rubbery.
• If desired, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve an extra crispy, golden crust.
• Remove from the oven and let the scallops rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to add a touch of citrusy brightness to their scallops.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Baked Scallops:
• Use fresh sea scallops for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Avoid overbaking, as scallops cook quickly and can become tough if left in the oven for too long.
• For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce before drizzling it over the scallops.
• Serve these scallops over pasta, risotto, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.