If you love succulent, tender scallops with a buttery, garlicky, and crispy topping, this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is for you! It’s a dish that’s elegant yet incredibly simple to make in just 20 minutes.
Scallops are known for their delicate sweetness, soft texture, and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. This recipe enhances their natural taste with a rich garlic butter sauce, a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping, and a fresh burst of lemon.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about preparing perfectly baked scallops, from selecting the best scallops to serving them like a pro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
✔ Elegant Yet Simple – A restaurant-quality dish that’s effortless to make at home.
✔ Rich & Flavorful – The garlic butter and Parmesan crust enhance the delicate scallops.
✔ Nutritious & Healthy – High in lean protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special celebrations.
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
Main Ingredients:
✔ 1 lb large scallops, patted dry
✔ 4 tbsp butter, melted
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
✔ ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✔ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
✔ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✔ Salt & black pepper to taste
✔ Lemon wedges, for serving
💡 Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- ½ tsp smoked paprika for extra depth
- 1 tbsp white wine for added richness
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Scallops
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels—this helps them sear properly.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Removing excess moisture ensures a golden crust when baked.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
- Stir well and set aside.
💡 Tip: For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter!
3️⃣ Make the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
- In another bowl, combine:
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Stir until well mixed.
💡 Tip: Using Panko breadcrumbs makes the topping extra crispy!
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake the Scallops
- Place the scallops in a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture over each scallop.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and tender.
💡 Tip: For a golden crust, broil the scallops for 1-2 minutes at the end.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
💡 Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
🍽️ What to Serve with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Looking for the perfect sides? Here are some great pairings:
🥖 With Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
🍋 With Pasta: Pair with buttery linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic seafood dish.
🥦 With Veggies: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini complement scallops beautifully.
🍷 With Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of Scallops
Scallops are not only delicious but also nutrient-rich:
✔ Low in Calories – Only 80-90 calories per 3.5 oz serving.
✔ High in Protein – Helps build muscle and keeps you full longer.
✔ Rich in Omega-3s – Supports brain, heart, and joint health.
✔ Packed with B12 & Minerals – Boosts energy levels and metabolism.
💡 Calories per Serving: ~300 kcal
💡 Protein: ~30g
💡 Healthy Fats: ~15g
🔄 Recipe Variations & Customizations
Want to change things up? Try these delicious variations!
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Scallops
- Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy twist.
🍋 Lemon Herb Butter Scallops
- Add extra lemon zest and fresh thyme for a refreshing flavor.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Crusted Scallops
- Double the Parmesan and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon before baking for a smoky flavor.
🛠️ Troubleshooting & Expert Tips
✔ How do I know when scallops are done?
- They should be opaque and slightly firm but not rubbery. Overcooked scallops become chewy, so watch carefully!
✔ Why are my scallops watery?
- Pat them dry before cooking and avoid overpacking them in the dish.
✔ Can I use frozen scallops?
- Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
✔ Can I make these in an air fryer?
- Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
🌟 Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Easy Seafood Dish
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers. Whether you’re preparing a fancy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is effortless yet impressive.
Quick Recap – Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Fast & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes
✔ Crispy, buttery, and flavorful – A perfect texture combo
✔ Healthy & protein-packed – A nutritious choice for seafood lovers
✔ Pairs well with so many sides – Bread, pasta, veggies, or rice
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality scallops at home!
