Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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Tender, juicy scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a golden Parmesan topping make this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe an elegant yet incredibly easy seafood dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or holiday entertaining. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up every drop of the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Scallops

  • 1½ pounds (680g) large sea scallops
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Parmesan Topping

  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For Garnish

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Spoon
  • Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming watery.

If the small side muscle is still attached, gently pull it off and discard it.

Season the scallops with:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder

Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then gently toss to coat.

Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Parsley
  • Thyme
  • Lemon zest
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)

Mix until well combined.

Spoon the garlic butter evenly over the scallops.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix together:

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Chopped parsley

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the scallops.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops.

The scallops are done when they are opaque and just firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough and rubbery.

For an extra golden topping, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Serve immediately while hot, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each serving.

Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops

  • Use large sea scallops rather than bay scallops for the best texture.
  • Pat the scallops very dry before seasoning.
  • Don’t overcook—scallops cook quickly and stay tender when just opaque.
  • Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.

Flavor Variations

Lemon Herb Scallops

Increase the lemon zest and add chopped fresh basil and dill.

Cajun Garlic Butter

Replace the paprika with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Bacon Parmesan

Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon over the scallops before serving.

Creamy Garlic Scallops

Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter mixture for a rich, creamy sauce.

Spicy Version

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.

What to Serve With

These baked scallops pair wonderfully with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Buttered pasta
  • Lemon herb rice
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Caesar salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Crusty artisan bread

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