Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops combine the rich, buttery flavor of garlic with the delicate sweetness of tender scallops. This quick and elegant recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood to your kitchen, perfect as an appetizer or main course that impresses guests with minimal effort.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dry-packed fresh scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste (for a spicy kick)
- Shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese (for cheesy upgrade)
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs, for topping
- 1 tbsp white wine (for added depth and aroma)
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the butter. Stir in freshly minced garlic and lemon juice, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Arrange the Scallops: Place the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops, making sure each scallop is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake Until Perfect: Bake the scallops uncovered for 10–12 minutes until they turn opaque and develop slight golden edges but remain tender inside.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops, then serve immediately to enjoy at their best.
Notes
- Choose Dry-Packed Scallops: Avoid wet scallops treated with preservatives for better texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Watch scallops closely and remove once they turn opaque to prevent rubbery texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a clean, vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Warm Butter Mixture: Pour warm garlic butter over scallops to infuse flavor while baking.
- Serve Hot: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are best enjoyed fresh from the oven with complementary sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 4-5 scallops)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: garlic butter scallops, baked scallops, seafood appetizer, gluten free scallops, easy scallops recipe