If you are looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender sea scallops come together perfectly with a luscious garlic butter sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan-panko crust that adds a satisfying crunch. Each bite bursts with rich flavors balanced by a hint of lemon, making this dish delightfully irresistible and surprisingly easy to make. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these baked scallops deliver a seafood experience that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to creating the star of this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the succulent scallops to the buttery, garlicky topping and the fresh parsley that brightens everything up.
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops: Pat them dry to ensure they bake up tender and not watery.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Provides the rich, creamy base for our garlic sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and flavor punch.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds that golden, crunchy topping you’ll love.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty depth to the crust.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh herbaceous finish that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For an extra squeeze of fresh citrus right before eating.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the scallops cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish or individual ramekins so the scallops won’t stick and the breadcrumbs can crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic. This mix is the heart of the recipe, coating each scallop with rich, flavorful goodness that seeps in during baking.
Step 3: Arrange and Coat the Scallops
Place your scallops in a single layer in the prepared dish. Drizzle the garlic butter evenly on top so every scallop gets that garlicky richness. This even coating will keep your scallops juicy and infuse them with that luscious flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. This mixture creates a crispy, savory topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender scallops beneath.
Step 5: Add Topping and Lemon Juice
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring a nice, uniform crust. Then, drizzle the fresh lemon juice on top before placing the dish in the oven. This touch of acidity perfectly balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. If you crave an ultra-crispy crust, switch to broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
A few lemon wedges are an absolute must when serving this dish — the fresh citrus juice adds a lively zing right before every bite. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley can also add a burst of color and herbaceous aroma, elevating the presentation.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe pairs beautifully with simple and fresh sides. Think steamed asparagus or green beans for crunch, buttery mashed potatoes for comfort, or a fluffy bed of rice or pasta to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce. Each side adds texture and balance without overpowering the scallops.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the scallops in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style feel. You can also arrange them over a vibrant salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a light, elegant starter. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try plating the scallops atop a creamy risotto for a luxurious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter baked scallops taste great the next day when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked scallops for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these scallops without losing their delicate flavor is to warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps preserve the crispy topping and tender interior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the scallops rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
Absolutely! Bay scallops are smaller and cook faster, so just reduce the baking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking. They still work wonderfully with this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning of the dish. Since we add salt separately, unsalted butter allows the garlic butter sauce to shine without becoming too salty.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the scallops with the garlic butter and breadcrumb topping beforehand and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, just bake as directed for fresh and flavorful results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Panko offers an airy crunch, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work fine. For added crunch, you can toast them lightly before adding to the scallops.
Is this recipe low-carb?
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is naturally low-carb, especially if you skip or substitute the breadcrumbs. It’s an excellent choice for anyone following a pescatarian or low-carb diet.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat a dish that feels luxurious but comes together in a snap, and this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe does exactly that. The combination of buttery garlic, crispy Parmesan topping, and bright lemon makes every bite a delight. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your seafood repertoire. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a dinner that’s both simple and unforgettable.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a simple and delicious seafood recipe featuring tender sea scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan panko crust. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, served with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops, patted dry
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Additional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, stirring well to infuse the flavors.
- Arrange Scallops: Place the sea scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even spacing for uniform cooking.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, coating each one to impart rich flavor while baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley thoroughly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops to create a crunchy, savory crust.
- Finish with Lemon: Drizzle the tablespoon of lemon juice over the topped scallops for a bright, fresh balance of flavors.
- Bake Scallops: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy topping, broil the scallops for 1 to 2 minutes more, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the scallops for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Pat scallops thoroughly dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper browning.
- Bay scallops can be used instead of sea scallops, but reduce the baking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
