Hey y'all! If you're craving restaurant-quality seafood without leaving your kitchen, this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance recipe totally hits the spot. With tender, juicy scallops bathed in rich, garlicky butter and baked to golden perfection, this irresistible dish is perfect for date nights, holidays, or any weeknight when you want a bit of coastal flair. You’ll love how easy and impressive it is—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance Recipe
- Super quick—ready in under 30 minutes from prep to table.
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients for bold, elegant flavor.
- Perfect for both entertaining and easy weeknight dinners.
- Low-carb, gluten-free, and naturally keto-friendly.
- No special cooking skills required—just easy deliciousness!
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance Ingredients
- 1 lb large sea scallops (about 12-16)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
1. Prep the Scallops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a gorgeous golden crust. If the scallops have a small tough muscle on the side, remove it.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well to blend all the flavors together. Mix in the chopped parsley.
3. Assemble and Top with Breadcrumbs
Arrange scallops in a single layer in a lightly greased 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and smoked paprika on top for that irresistible crunch and color.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. If you like extra golden topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with lemon wedges and more fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the most luscious flavor and texture.
Notes for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
- For best results, use dry-packed (not wet-packed) scallops.
- If using frozen scallops, thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry thoroughly.
- Adjust garlic to your taste—add more for a bold kick, or less for a subtle flavor.
Variations on Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
- Lemon Herb: Add fresh dill and chives to the parsley for an herby twist.
- Spicy Cajun: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.
- Parmesan Crust: Mix 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan into the panko for extra richness.
Required Equipment for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
- 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Small whisk or fork
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Storage Instructions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a low oven (300°F/150°C) until warmed through. For food safety tips on storing seafood, check the FDA seafood guidelines.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
- Delicious with a crisp green salad or garlic sautéed asparagus.
- Pair with fluffy rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance
- Ensure scallops are very dry before baking for the best caramelization.
- Don’t overbake—scallops are perfect when just opaque in the center.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor (learn why fresh lemon juice matters).
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Easy Elegance FAQ
- Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
- Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 7-9 minutes as they’re much smaller.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can prep the garlic butter and breadcrumbs in advance, but bake scallops just before serving for best texture.
- How can I tell when scallops are done?
- Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm but still tender when pressed—avoid overcooking for juiciest results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large sea scallops, patted dry
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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2Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
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3In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the scallops.
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4In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops.
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5Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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