Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

This garlic butter baked scallops recipe transforms simple sea scallops into a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your dinner guests while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. The combination of tender scallops bathed in garlicky butter and topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs creates an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors.

I first made these scallops for a Valentine's Day dinner at home when restaurants were fully booked. My partner was so impressed that it's become our tradition to skip the crowded restaurants and enjoy this elegant seafood dish at home instead.

Ingredients

• Large sea scallops: These are the star of the show. Look for dry scallops rather than wet scallops which have been treated with chemicals. Dry scallops sear better and have a superior flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness and creates the base for the sauce. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic flavor. Choose firm garlic cloves without any green sprouts for the best flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a delightful crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs work best for maximum crunch.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and helps the topping brown beautifully. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated versions.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and fresh flavor. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible for the best taste.
• Lemon juice: The acidity balances the richness of the butter and complements the sweetness of the scallops perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.
• Lemon wedges: Served alongside for squeezing over the finished dish, adding brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve that beautiful golden brown crust on top while quickly cooking the scallops without making them rubbery. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat before baking.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

Combine the melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Make sure the butter is just melted but not hot enough to cook the garlic, which would diminish its flavor. Stir thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well incorporated.

Assemble the Scallops:

Arrange your scallops in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they're not overcrowded. This allows heat to circulate properly around each scallop. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, tilting the dish if necessary to ensure each scallop gets coated.

Add the Topping:

Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a separate bowl until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops, pressing down gently to adhere to the butter. The topping should be distributed evenly for consistent texture and flavor.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch carefully for the scallops to turn opaque and the topping to become golden brown. Avoid overcooking as scallops can quickly turn rubbery.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and immediately transfer to serving plates while still hot. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley if desired. The contrast of the hot scallops with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice creates a delightful flavor experience.

Pin it

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the garlic butter hits the hot pan and that incredible aroma fills my kitchen. It reminds me of seaside restaurants and always makes everyone gather in the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. I've learned that taking the extra minute to properly pat the scallops dry is truly worth it for achieving that perfect golden crust.

Perfect Scallop Selection

Choosing the right scallops makes all the difference in this recipe. Look for scallops labeled as dry packed rather than wet packed. Wet packed scallops are treated with a solution that makes them absorb water, resulting in less flavor and poor browning. Dry packed scallops might be slightly more expensive but have a sweeter, more natural flavor and caramelize beautifully. The scallops should have a firm texture and a slightly sweet smell. Avoid any that look overly wet or have a strong fishy odor.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter baked scallops pair beautifully with so many side dishes. For an elegant dinner, serve them alongside a simple risotto or angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. For a lighter meal, place them atop a bed of wilted spinach or alongside roasted asparagus. The rich butter sauce that pools at the bottom of the baking dish is liquid gold and should not go to waste. Have some crusty bread ready for dipping or drizzle it over your side dishes. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Make It Your Own

While this recipe is perfect as written, there are many ways to customize it to your taste preferences. For a dairy free version, substitute olive oil for the butter and omit the Parmesan cheese, adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. For an herb variation, try substituting the parsley with fresh dill or tarragon. You can also add a tablespoon of white wine to the butter mixture for additional depth of flavor.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prepare scallops for baking?

Start by patting the scallops dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve the best texture during baking.

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them completely, rinse, and pat dry before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

Panko or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy topping.

→ How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, typically after 10-12 minutes of baking.

→ What can I serve with baked scallops?

Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.