Description
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
Scale
- 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
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare scallops: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the dish.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour evenly over the scallops.
- Add topping: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the scallops.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked scallops, garlic butter scallops, easy seafood dinner, lemon garlic scallops, Parmesan scallops, elegant dinner recipe