Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant seafood dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Tender sea scallops are baked in a savory garlic butter sauce and topped with a lightly crisp breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. The result is a dish that is buttery, aromatic, and perfectly satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for special dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you can create a delicious meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
Ingredients
For the Scallops
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1 pound large sea scallops
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping
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½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Garnish
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Lemon wedges
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Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or small casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them bake properly and prevents excess liquid in the dish.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
4. Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, and paprika until well combined.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the scallops.
5. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become tough.
6. Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter baked scallops pair beautifully with:
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Garlic butter pasta
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Steamed rice or risotto
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Roasted vegetables
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Fresh green salad
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Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops
Choose large sea scallops
They hold up better during baking than smaller bay scallops.
Pat scallops dry
Excess moisture prevents proper cooking.
Do not overcook
Scallops cook quickly and should remain tender.
Use panko breadcrumbs
They create a crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Variations
Cheesy Baked Scallops
Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese to the topping.
Spicy Garlic Scallops
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
Herb Butter Scallops
Mix thyme, basil, or oregano into the butter sauce.
Low-Carb Version
Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5–8 minutes.
Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended because scallops may lose their tender texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy seafood dish
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Buttery garlic flavor with a crispy topping
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Elegant enough for special occasions
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Ready in under 20 minutes
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Minimal ingredients with big flavor
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a flavorful, elegant dish that brings together tender seafood, aromatic garlic butter, and a golden crispy topping. Whether served as a main course or a special appetizer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and easy preparation.