Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

 

Easy, elegant, and restaurant-quality seafood recipe

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, juicy, and bursting with rich garlic-butter flavor. Baked in the oven in under 15 minutes, this dish is simple yet luxurious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even holiday meals.

No complicated steps, no frying—just pure seafood goodness with minimal effort.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) sea scallops
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Topping

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Additions

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Lemon wedges for serving

 How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels.
This step is very important to help them bake properly and not release excess water.

Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

 

In a small bowl, combine:

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes

Mix well until fragrant and smooth.

Pour the garlic butter evenly over the scallops, making sure each one is well coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

In another bowl, mix:

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley
• Olive oil

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops.

Step 5: Bake the Scallops

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:

• Scallops are opaque and tender
• Topping is golden and slightly crispy

Do not overbake—scallops cook very fast!

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Remove from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops

• Use sea scallops, not bay scallops (they’re too small)
• If scallops are frozen, thaw completely and dry very well
• Overcooked scallops become rubbery—keep an eye on them

 Variations & Flavor Ideas

• Creamy version: Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream to the butter sauce
• Herb lovers: Add thyme or oregano
• Cheesy deluxe: Use Gruyère or mozzarella with Parmesan
• Keto-friendly: Skip breadcrumbs and add extra cheese

 What to Serve with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Lemon rice or creamy mashed potatoes
• Fresh green salad

 Storage & Reheating

• Best eaten fresh
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently in the oven at 170°C (do not microwave if possible)

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat them very dry.

How do I know scallops are done?
They turn opaque and slightly firm but still tender.

 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is proof that elegant seafood doesn’t need to be complicated. Rich butter, bold garlic, and tender scallops come together in a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.