Introduction
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, juicy, and infused with rich garlic and buttery flavors. This simple yet elegant seafood dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Small saucepan (optional, for butter sauce)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or brush
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Scallops: Pat dry to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl or saucepan, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Prepare Scallops
- Place scallops in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add Butter
- Pour garlic butter over scallops evenly, ensuring they are coated.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and firm to the touch (do not overcook).
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
💡 Tips
- Do not overcrowd the baking dish; scallops cook best in a single layer.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter before baking.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Herb Infusion: Add thyme, oregano, or dill to the garlic butter.
- Broiled Version: Broil scallops 2–3 minutes for a golden top instead of baking.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
