Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious and elegant seafood dish that combines tender scallops with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers perfectly baked scallops that are juicy, succulent, and infused with the taste of garlic, butter, and herbs. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these scallops pair wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Ideal for special occasions or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its gourmet taste and effortless preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), paprika, oregano, and dried parsley.
- Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Prepare the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- If needed, remove the tough side muscle from each scallop.
- Coat the Scallops
- Place the scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops to create a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake the Scallops
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough and rubbery.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
- If a crispy top is desired, switch to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the scallops rest for a minute.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these garlic butter baked scallops with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a gourmet dining experience.
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is simple yet packed with flavors, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!