Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

If you’re craving something elegant, buttery, and irresistibly tender, these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the perfect solution. Juicy sea scallops are coated in a rich garlic-herb butter and baked until golden and lightly crisp on top. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight meals, date nights, or special celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and a 15-minute bake time.
Bold, Buttery Flavor – Infused with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of spice.
Tender & Juicy – Perfectly baked without drying out.
Minimal Ingredients – Simple, pantry-friendly recipe with maximum flavor.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, over pasta, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scallops:

• 1 lb large sea scallops (patted dry)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Light sprinkle of paprika for color

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Paper towels
• Pastry brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and juicy texture.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place them in a single layer in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and Parmesan.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Scallops
Spoon or pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring each one is coated.
Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top if you like a crispier finish.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and just firm to the touch.
If desired, broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top—just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot.
Pair with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.

Tips for Success
Dry Scallops Thoroughly – Moisture prevents them from cooking properly.
Don’t Overcook – Scallops should be tender, not rubbery.
Use Large Sea Scallops – They bake more evenly and stay juicier.
Add Breadcrumbs – For a crispier topping, mix 2 tbsp breadcrumbs with the Parmesan and sprinkle over the top before baking.
Make It a Meal – Serve over linguine or creamy mashed potatoes for a full dinner.

Serving Suggestions

• With angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs
• Alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
• On top of creamy risotto or cauliflower mash
• With toasted garlic bread and a green salad
• As an appetizer with lemon aioli or dipping sauce

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Oven – Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Stovetop – Reheat gently in a skillet with a little extra butter or oil.
Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the scallops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
   Yes—thaw completely in the fridge and pat dry before baking.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   Dried herbs work just fine; use about half the amount listed for fresh.
3. Are bay scallops okay for this recipe?
   Yes, but they’re much smaller and cook faster—bake for only 8–10 minutes.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prep the sauce and scallops, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Just skip the breadcrumb topping if you’re adding it.

Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a no-fuss, flavor-packed seafood dish that delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. With buttery richness, fresh herbs, and a touch of citrus, it’s a dish you’ll want to serve again and again—whether it’s for a special date night or an easy weeknight dinner.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy seafood at its finest—right from your own oven.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 460mg

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