Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Introduction

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops make an elegant yet surprisingly simple weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for a quick, impressive meal. If you enjoy easy seafood dinners, you might also like this Best Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Ready in 30 Minutes or this Easy Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops deliver a perfect balance of rich, savory garlic butter, bright lemon, and tender, sweet scallops with a crisp, golden topping.

• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges, for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	22 minutes

Context: This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear and brown properly in the oven rather than steaming in their own moisture.

Remove the small, tough side muscle if it’s still attached. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2 — Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Mix everything together until well-combined. For the best flavor, use real butter and fresh garlic rather than powdered substitutes.

Step 3 — Arrange Scallops in Baking Dish

Place the prepared scallops in a single layer in a lightly greased or non-stick baking dish. They should not be crowded so they cook evenly.

If you have time, let the scallops sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps them cook more evenly.

Step 4 — Top with Garlic Butter

Spoon the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop, making sure they are all well-coated.

You can also add a few small pats of extra butter on top for an even richer result.

Step 5 — Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key for achieving a beautiful sear and perfectly cooked interior.

While the oven preheats, you can prepare a simple side dish or finish setting your table.

Step 6 — Bake the Scallops

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cook time can vary slightly depending on the size of your scallops.

The Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch, and the butter is sizzling. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough.

Step 7 — Optional Broil for Color

If you desire more browning on top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

This step is optional but gives the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops a beautiful, restaurant-quality finish.

Step 8 — Rest and Garnish

Remove the scallops from the oven and let them rest in the pan for 1-2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a drizzle of the pan juices right before serving.

Step 9 — Serve Immediately

Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops immediately while they are hot. They pair wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a light salad.

Enjoy this elegant yet simple dish as a quick weeknight meal or for a special occasion.

Nutritional Information

Calories	245
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fat	16g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Shrimp or white fish — Swap scallops for shrimp or cod; still absorbs garlic butter flavor beautifully.
• Olive oil or avocado oil — Use instead of butter for dairy-free garlic baked scallops with a lighter finish.
• Low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos — Replace salt for umami depth without excess sodium.
• Cauliflower rice base — Serve garlic butter baked scallops over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
• Nutritional yeast or vegan butter — Dairy-free alternatives that mimic rich, buttery notes.
• Zucchini noodles — Pair with scallops for a gluten-free, veggie-packed dinner.
• Lemon juice and herbs — Boost flavor with fresh herbs and citrus instead of extra salt or butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops over a bed of creamy risotto or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
• Pair with a crisp, green salad featuring a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Offer with crusty artisan bread for dipping into the extra garlic butter sauce in the baking dish.
• Complement with steamed asparagus or roasted broccolini for a complete, elegant meal.
• Perfect for a romantic dinner, special anniversary, or as an impressive holiday appetizer.
• For a surf-and-turf experience, serve alongside a perfectly grilled filet mignon or herb-crusted rack of lamb.

Garnish your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to enhance their vibrant flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using wet scallops, which steam instead of sear. Fix: Always buy dry-packed scallops and pat them thoroughly dry before cooking.
• Mistake: Overcooking the scallops, making them tough and rubbery. Fix: Bake just until they are opaque and firm to the touch, typically 10–12 minutes.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of preheating the baking dish. Fix: Place your empty dish in the oven as it preheats for a better sear on the bottom.
• Mistake: Crowding the scallops in the pan. Fix: Arrange them in a single layer with space between to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Let your butter soften to room temperature so it mixes evenly with garlic and herbs.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic that can burn and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté minced garlic lightly in butter first to mellow its flavor before baking.
• Mistake: Neglecting to season the scallops adequately. Fix: Season generously with salt and pepper just before baking to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Mistake: Using a low-fat margarine instead of real butter. Fix: Stick with high-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor and proper browning.
• Mistake: Not letting scallops come to room temperature before baking. Fix: Take them out of the fridge 15–20 minutes prior to cooking for more even results.
• Mistake: Forgetting to baste during cooking. Fix: Spoon the hot garlic butter over the scallops halfway through baking to keep them moist and flavorful.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Place cooled scallops in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Always use shallow containers for quick cooling and to prevent bacterial growth when storing seafood.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is an elegant yet simple dish perfect for any occasion. We hope you love it! Try our Best Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce for another delicious scallop option. Please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more quick, gourmet recipes!

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FAQs

What type of scallops are best for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?

Use fresh, dry-packed sea scallops for the best results. Avoid wet-packed scallops, as they contain extra water that can make your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops watery and prevent proper browning.

How do I know when the scallops are cooked through?

The scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Baked Scallops should be tender and juicy.

Can I prepare Garlic Butter Baked Scallops ahead of time?

You can mix the garlic butter sauce and arrange the scallops in the baking dish ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, but bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.