Here’s a quick and elegant Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe 🧄🦪
Simple, buttery, and perfect for a special dinner or appetizer.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- ¾ lb (340 g) sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy top)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat to 400°F / 200°C.
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare scallops
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place scallops in a single layer in the dish.
3. Make garlic butter
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Pour evenly over scallops.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and just firm to the touch.
Serve
- Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges
- Serve as-is, or over rice, pasta, or a bed of greens
Tips
- Dry scallops really well for a better texture
- Don’t overcook—they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long
- For extra flavor, broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top
I can also make a one-pan skillet version that gives scallops a seared crust before baking if you want.