Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender sea scallops with the rich, buttery flavor of garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic meal, these golden, flavorful scallops come together in under 30 minutes and pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare scallops: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the dish.
3. Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour evenly over the scallops.
4. Add topping: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the scallops.
5. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.

Variation

• Panko crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
• Add herbs: Mix in fresh thyme or basil for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy version: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes for a quicker, crispier finish.

Cooking Notes

• Don’t overbake: Scallops cook quickly; remove them as soon as they turn opaque to avoid toughness.
• Dry scallops well: Patting dry helps them brown better and prevents a soggy texture.
• Even layer: Arrange scallops in one layer to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• With pasta: Serve over linguine tossed in garlic butter or white wine sauce.
• Surf & turf: Pair with a small steak or roasted chicken for a special meal.
• Light meal: Serve with steamed vegetables or a Caesar salad for a fresh contrast.

Tips

• Use fresh scallops: Fresh, dry-packed scallops give the best flavor and texture.
• Add citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavor.
• Make ahead: Assemble everything up to the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 420mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
   Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before baking to remove excess moisture.
2. What’s the best substitute for breadcrumbs?
   Crushed crackers or almond meal work well for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use olive oil or vegan butter and skip the Parmesan.
4. How do I know when scallops are done?
   They should be opaque, slightly firm, and springy to the touch.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a quick, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. With buttery garlic sauce, a crisp topping, and tender scallops, this recipe delivers pure seafood bliss in every bite.

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