Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious and simple seafood dish that’s full of flavor. They’re perfect for a fancy dinner or just a quick indulgent treat. Here’s a recipe to make them at home:
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions:
- Prep the scallops:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps them sear and bake better). Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If your scallops still have the “muscle” (a small tough piece on the side), remove it carefully before cooking.
- Prepare the garlic butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried parsley, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
- Arrange the scallops:
- Place the scallops in a baking dish (such as an 8×8 or similar size) in a single layer. If you like, you can lightly grease the baking dish with a bit of butter or olive oil before placing the scallops in.
- Top with garlic butter:
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure each one is coated.
- Optional crispy topping:
- If you’d like a crispy topping, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the scallops. You can drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch. The cooking time will depend on the size of your scallops. Be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can become tough if baked too long.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice will add a nice brightness that complements the rich garlic butter flavor.
- Enjoy!:
- Serve your garlic butter baked scallops immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They go perfectly with a simple green salad or a side of roasted veggies!
These scallops are buttery, garlicky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Would you pair them with any sides, or maybe a favorite dipping sauce?