Luscious Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe: Sea-to-Table Magic

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that melts in your mouth.

Ocean-fresh ingredients create magic on your plate.

Delicate marine gems transform with simple seasonings into an elegant dish.

Buttery richness infuses each tender morsel with incredible depth.

Chefs adore this straightforward recipe for its sophisticated yet uncomplicated approach.

Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs complement the natural sweetness of perfectly cooked scallops.

You can craft this restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Steal the Show

• Transform an ordinary meal into a special experience with simple ingredients that create bold, rich flavors everyone will love.
• Bake these succulent scallops in one dish, reducing cleanup and cooking time while delivering a mouthwatering protein packed with zesty garlic and bright lemon notes.
• Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for intimate dinners, date nights, or elegant gatherings, showcasing how sophisticated cuisine can be incredibly accessible.

Your Go-To Ingredients for Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter

• Scallops: Delicate seafood with a sweet, tender texture that serves as the star of this dish.
• Butter: Rich dairy product that adds flavor and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce for the scallops.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, pungent flavor to the garlic butter sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the scallops.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds a subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the dish.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Citrus elements that brighten the dish and add a fresh, tangy note.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a pop of color and a light, herbal garnish.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Kitchen helper that prevents the scallops from sticking to the baking dish.

Baking Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter—A Simple Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

This ensures your scallops won’t stick and will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it simmer gently, releasing its rich, fragrant essence for about two minutes.

The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma.

Step 3: Arrange Scallops

Carefully pat scallops completely dry with paper towels.

This crucial step helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.

Spread scallops in a single layer across the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Season and Enhance

Drizzle the warm garlic butter generously over scallops.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops and optionally add lemon zest for an extra bright, citrusy note.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until scallops turn golden brown and become beautifully opaque.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

The vibrant green adds a delightful pop of color and fresh flavor.

Scallop Tips: How to Nail Texture and Flavor

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust and preventing steaming instead of baking.
• Melt butter gently to prevent burning, creating a rich, aromatic garlic sauce without bitter undertones.
• Space scallops evenly in the dish to allow even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a sweet, mild ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Check scallops at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

The Best Way to Store and Warm Up Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, ensuring they're sealed tightly to prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap cooled scallops individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Heat scallops on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stopping midway to rotate. Add a splash of butter or broth to retain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Delicious Pairings for Garlic Butter Scallops Night

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich garlic butter and delicate scallop flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Create Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, toasted French baguette or sourdough slices to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding textural contrast and extra indulgence.
• Toss Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, providing a peppery, refreshing counterpoint to the buttery scallops and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Herbed Rice Pilaf: Prepare a simple herb-infused rice pilaf with parsley and chives to absorb the garlic butter sauce, offering a complementary side that doesn't overshadow the delicate seafood.

Make Baked Scallops Fresh with Fun Flavor Twists

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil, using the same quantity. Add nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Keep the original recipe but swap out lemon for a small amount of apple cider vinegar to reduce carbs. Use ghee instead of regular butter for extra richness.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Replace garlic with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill. Add chopped fresh herbs directly into the butter mixture for an aromatic seafood experience.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper instead of paprika. Drizzle with sriracha or add a dash of hot sauce to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are scallops healthy to eat?

Scallops are an excellent source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re a heart-healthy seafood option with minimal mercury compared to other fish.

• How do I know if scallops are fresh?

Fresh scallops should have a mild, ocean-like smell, appear moist but not wet, and have a uniform creamy white or pinkish color. They should look firm and not have any discoloration or strong fishy odor.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator, then pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking. Ensure they’re fully defrosted to prevent excess liquid during cooking.

• What's the best way to prevent rubbery scallops?

Avoid overcooking and ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking. Cook them quickly at high heat, and don’t move them around too much in the pan or baking dish. Fifteen to twenty minutes of baking time is perfect for maintaining a tender texture.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that whispers coastal elegance. Golden-brown edges and rich butter sauce invite you to savor each delicate morsel with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh scallops
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then infuse with minced garlic for approximately two minutes until aromatic.
3. Carefully blot scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear.
4. Arrange scallops in a single, uniform layer within the prepared baking dish to promote even cooking.
5. Generously drizzle the warm garlic butter over the scallops, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
6. Enhance flavor by sprinkling paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the scallops.
7. Add brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the seasoned scallops and optionally scatter lemon zest for extra citrusy notes.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until scallops turn golden brown and become translucent.
9. Remove from oven and immediately garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add color and a subtle herbaceous touch.
10. Serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the succulent, butter-infused scallops directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Always pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen or previously thawed options when possible.
• Arrange scallops with space between each piece to allow even heat circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can make them soggy.
• Adjust baking time based on scallop size – smaller scallops need less time to prevent overcooking and becoming rubbery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg