Easy Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops sparkle with marine elegance and promise a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Delicate seafood meets rich, melted butter in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Plump scallops absorb incredible flavor when roasted with aromatic herbs and golden butter.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum culinary magic without complicated techniques.

Mediterranean coastal influences shine through each tender, caramelized morsel.

Quick preparation means you can serve an impressive meal in under thirty minutes.

Dive into this delectable seafood experience that will transport you to coastal dining bliss.

FAQ Section For Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Are scallops safe to eat when they look slightly translucent?

Yes, scallops are perfectly safe when they turn opaque white and firm, which indicates they’re fully cooked. The key is to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and rubbery.

• How do I know if I'm buying fresh scallops?

Look for scallops that are firm, have a sweet ocean smell, and appear moist but not watery. They should be uniform in color, ranging from pale beige to light pink, without any brown or yellow discoloration.

• Can I substitute butter with olive oil in this recipe?

While olive oil works, butter provides a richer flavor and helps create a more luxurious texture. If substituting, use extra virgin olive oil and consider adding a bit more garlic for depth.

Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are So Buttery And Tender

• Savor Seafood Simplicity: This recipe transforms scallops into a gourmet dish with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly and easily, turning an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.
• Create Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter mixture infuses the scallops with rich, aromatic flavors, delivering a mouthwatering combination of buttery, herbal, and savory notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using a single baking dish and simple ingredients means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious meal with minimal kitchen mess.

What You Need For Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, tender seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh ingredients that add aromatic depth and bright herbal notes to the scallops.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the seafood.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy moisture and helps create a golden, luxurious coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, crunchy texture to the top of the baked scallops.

How To Bake Garlic Butter Scallops Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This perfect temperature will help create a golden, delicious crust on your scallops.

Step 2: Arrange Scallops in Baking Dish

Spread your fresh scallops in a single, beautiful layer across your baking dish. Make sure they’re not crowded, allowing each scallop to cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden color.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Butter Mixture

• Freshly minced garlic
• Melted butter
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Finely chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they become a harmonious, aromatic blend that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Drench Scallops in Buttery Goodness

Pour the garlic butter mixture generously over the scallops, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the delectable seasoning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the scallops turn opaque and reach a tender, succulent texture.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and serve these golden, buttery scallops immediately. Get ready for a mouthwatering seafood experience that will impress everyone at the table!

Helpful Tips For Juicy Baked Scallops

• Pat scallops dry before baking to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent excess moisture.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter mixture for extra depth and complexity of flavor.
• Garnish with fresh lemon zest just before serving to brighten the rich, buttery scallops and add a citrusy note.

Tasty Seasonings For Garlic Butter Scallops

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace breadcrumbs with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Mix Cajun seasoning into the butter mixture and sprinkle with green onions for a bold, zesty version.
• Asian Fusion Fusion: Swap parsley for cilantro, add soy sauce and sesame oil to the butter, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an Eastern-inspired approach.
• Herbal Lemon Splash: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and thyme into the garlic butter, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh taste.

Sides To Serve With Baked Scallops

• Elevate Citrus Sparkle: Pair with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc that brings zesty lemon and herbal notes to complement the garlic butter's richness.
• Create Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a light, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and add a delightful crunch.
• Match Seafood Harmony: Select a fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the buttery scallops and provide a clean, refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add roasted asparagus spears with a touch of sea salt to provide a subtle vegetable accompaniment that highlights the scallops' delicate taste.

How To Store Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Safely

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Reheat scallops on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Drizzle a little butter to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture. Check temperature to ensure even heating.
• If scallops have been stored longer than 2 days or smell unusual, discard immediately to prevent foodborne illness.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that whispers ocean elegance. Delicate marine flavors mingle with rich butter, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for romantic dinners or elegant gatherings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) scallops

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Binding and Coating:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) with a rack in the center position to ensure even heating.
2. Select a baking dish that allows scallops to rest in a single, uncrowded layer, promoting even cooking and optimal browning.
3. Create a luxurious seasoning blend by combining finely chopped garlic with velvety melted butter, complemented by golden breadcrumbs, freshly chopped parsley, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
4. Gently drench the scallops with the aromatic garlic butter mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously coated for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the scallops to transform into tender, pearlescent morsels with a subtle golden crust for approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven when scallops appear opaque and feel firm yet delicately soft to the touch, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Transfer immediately to serving plates, garnishing with additional fresh parsley for a vibrant visual and flavor accent, and savor while piping hot.

Notes

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed almond meal or gluten-free panko crumbs for added crunch.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture to enhance the seafood’s delicate flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute half the butter with olive oil and use less breadcrumbs while maintaining the rich, savory coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg