If you’re looking for a dish that’s restaurant-worthy but still easy enough for a weeknight, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is about to become your new go-to favorite. Every bite is rich and delicate: sweet, plump scallops are enveloped in garlicky melted butter, showered with a crispy, golden parmesan-panko topping, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Honestly, this recipe is a showstopper – effortlessly impressive with just a handful of ingredients, and guaranteed to bring the “wow” factor to your table whether it’s for family, guests, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity and how each ingredient amps up flavor, texture, and color. Let’s talk about the essentials that make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops shine, from the juiciness of the scallops to the crisp bite of warm breadcrumbs.
- Sea scallops, 1 ½ pounds, patted dry: Sweet, tender, and the star of the show—patting them dry ensures a perfect golden finish.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons, melted: The buttery base that turns ordinary scallops into something totally luscious.
- Garlic, 4 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with punchy, savory flavor that seeps right into the scallops.
- Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup: Japanese breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy, light crust you’ll absolutely love.
- Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup, grated: Adds nutty, salty depth while helping the topping brown beautifully in the oven.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Just a squeeze brightens up the entire dish and balances the richness.
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon: Gives a gentle warmth and a touch of color for eye-catching appeal.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the savory notes without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Just enough to create a little background heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon, chopped: A final fresh-herb flourish for color and a quick pop of flavor.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze at the table takes everything to the next level.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Step 1: Prep the Scallops
First things first: make sure your sea scallops are extra dry. Blot them with paper towels until there’s no moisture left on the surface. This simple step is the secret to getting that lovely golden color when baking, and it helps the garlic butter soak in without watering anything down.
Step 2: Arrange in a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a small baking dish (just a quick swipe with butter or cooking spray is perfect). Spread the dry scallops in a single layer with a little space between each one, which helps them cook evenly and avoids any steaming.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. As soon as you stir it, the aroma will have you hooked! Pour this savory mixture evenly over all the scallops in your baking dish so every bite gets a hit of garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Mix the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mix is evenly speckled with cheese and spice—it should look and smell irresistible even before it hits the oven.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously and evenly over the scallops. Don’t worry if some topping falls between them; it will crisp up and add a bonus crunch for scooping up every last bit.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque and the topping is golden brown. If you want even more crunch, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye so nothing burns—just when the surface is bubbling and toasty, you’ll know it’s done!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with plenty of fresh chopped parsley. Set out with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, and get ready to watch everyone swoon. That’s all it takes for show-stopping Garlic Butter Baked Scallops at home.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Garnishes
The best finishing touch for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a shower of vivid green parsley and a generous wedge of lemon. The herbs add brightness, and lemon gives that zingy pop that perfectly balances the richness of the butter. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of delicate microgreens or a pinch of flaky sea salt can add even more sophistication.
Side Dishes
Serve your scallops atop a swirl of angel hair pasta, next to fluffy white rice, or alongside crisp roasted asparagus. Creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette also make dreamy partners for these scallops. Let the sides soak up the garlicky sauce—trust me, you won’t want any of it to go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops feel instantly elegant when you plate them in pretty shells, individual ramekins, or on small appetizer spoons for a party. For a comforting twist, spoon them (with their buttery juices!) over warm, crusty bread for a rustic seafood bruschetta that always disappears fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftover Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best quality, keep any leftover sauce alongside the scallops to keep them moist and flavorful for reheating.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is possible, though the delicate texture can change slightly. If you do freeze, package the scallops and topping tightly in a sealed container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating, and understand the topping may lose some of its signature crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, spread them in an oven-safe dish and warm at 300°F for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. A quick minute under the broiler can help revive the crispy breadcrumb topping. Avoid microwaving, which can easily overcook scallops and make them rubbery.
FAQs
How do I choose the best scallops for this recipe?
Look for “dry” sea scallops at the seafood counter, which are untreated and caramelize beautifully in the oven. Pat them dry at home, and avoid “wet” scallops, which are soaked in brine and tend to release water during baking.
Can I make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with frozen scallops?
Yes! Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and dry them thoroughly before using. Frozen scallops often release extra moisture so patting them dry is key for achieving the best golden topping.
Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work well, though they are a bit finer and won’t be quite as crispy. Crushed Ritz crackers or homemade fresh breadcrumbs also make excellent, flavorful alternatives.
What if I’m dairy-free—can I adapt this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. The result will still be delicious and buttery, keeping the spirit of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops alive.
Should I use bay scallops or sea scallops?
For this dish, sea scallops are ideal because of their size and natural sweetness. Bay scallops are much smaller and will cook much faster, so if using them, check for doneness sooner to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted homemade Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, you’ll wonder how something so simple can be so impressively delicious. The combination of tender scallops, garlicky butter, and crispy golden topping is pure heaven—perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a staple at your table!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these succulent Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, a perfect combination of tender scallops baked to perfection with a flavorful garlic butter topping. This easy and elegant dish is a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Sea Scallops:
- 1 ½ pounds sea scallops, patted dry
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Breadcrumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a small baking dish.
- Prepare Scallops: Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Make Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and lemon juice. Pour over scallops.
- Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over scallops.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until scallops are opaque and topping is golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry for proper browning.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 ounces
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
