If you are craving a seafood dish that is bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare, this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Picture tender, juicy scallops bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly baked until just right, with a hint of fresh lemon and a pop of color from parsley and paprika. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a true winner for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe. Each component is straightforward but plays an essential role in building those layers of rich, fresh flavors and gorgeous presentation.
- Fresh large sea scallops: About 1 pound of these delivers tender texture and the star of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons melted to create the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Garlic cloves: 4 minced cloves bring that aromatic punch that defines the flavor profile.
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon for a bright, zesty twist that balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color garnish.
- Paprika: A pinch for a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful reddish hue.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing every flavor without overpowering.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: To taste, adding a slight heat and depth.
- Olive oil (optional): 1 tablespoon to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking, helping your scallops become tender and perfectly opaque without drying out. Next, pat the scallops dry with paper towels—this little trick removes excess moisture and helps you get that beautiful golden finish once they bake. Arrange them in a greased baking dish or baking sheet so they’re evenly spaced.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter slowly either in the microwave or over the stovetop. To this golden goodness, add your minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a luxurious sauce that will infuse the scallops with incredible flavor as they bake.
Step 3: Coat the Scallops
Pour the garlic butter mixture generously over the scallops, making sure each one is evenly coated. This step is crucial because the butter seeps into the scallops during baking, keeping them moist and imparting that irresistible garlicky richness that makes this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe so popular.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your scallops in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn opaque and feel firm but tender when gently pressed. Overcooking can make scallops tough, so stopping right when they’re juicy and just cooked is the sweet spot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, ideally with lemon wedges on the side for guests to add an extra splash of brightness if they like. This final touch completes the dish beautifully and elevates the entire dining experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe with fresh parsley is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with finely chopped chives or basil leaves for a subtle twist. A generous squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving elevates every bite with a bright, zesty zing that pairs wonderfully with the rich butter sauce.
Side Dishes
These scallops are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed asparagus. For a more luxurious meal, serve alongside creamy risotto or buttery linguine to soak up every bit of the garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your garlic butter baked scallops feel extra special by serving them in individual ramekins or on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach. For entertaining, arrange them on a pretty platter garnished with lemon wedges and herbs to create an inviting centerpiece that’s both elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though scallops are always best enjoyed fresh right after baking.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is possible but not ideal because their delicate texture can become rubbery upon thawing. If you must freeze, place scallops in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag and use them within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking. Warm the scallops in a low oven (around 275°F / 135°C) for 5 to 8 minutes or briefly in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or butter to keep them moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops; just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before baking. Removing moisture is key to achieving that perfect golden finish and texture.
How can I tell when scallops are done baking?
They turn from translucent to opaque and feel firm but with a slight bounce when gently pressed. Avoid overcooking as this will make them rubbery and tough.
Is there a substitute for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative; however, butter gives the dish its rich, velvety flavor that is signature to this recipe.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add wonderful new dimensions to the flavor profile.
What wine pairs well with garlic butter baked scallops?
A crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the richness of the scallops and butter beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is a shining example of how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels luxurious yet is so easy to make at home. Whether you are cooking for yourself or guests, these scallops deliver a memorable seafood experience that you will want to make again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself to this delightful dish—you truly can’t go wrong!
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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe features tender, juicy sea scallops baked to perfection in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Infused with fresh lemon juice and a hint of paprika, these scallops are quick to prepare and ideal for a delicious seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 lb fresh large sea scallops
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the scallops evenly.
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the scallops bake evenly and develop a nice golden color. Arrange the scallops in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of paprika to the melted butter. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Coat the Scallops: Evenly pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the arranged scallops, ensuring each scallop is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake the Scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the scallops for 12-15 minutes. The scallops are done when they turn opaque and feel firm but tender to the touch. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender rather than rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately, optionally with lemon wedges for an extra burst of zest.
Notes
- Patting the scallops dry is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden crust.
- Do not overcook scallops as they can become rubbery; watch closely starting at 12 minutes of baking.
- Using fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
- Optionally grease the baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
