Heavenly Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe: Ocean’s Finest Gem

Scallops swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce can turn an ordinary dinner into a magical culinary experience.

Fresh ocean treasures deserve special treatment with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Tender shellfish become luxurious when baked just right, melting in your mouth.

Restaurants charge premium prices for dishes like these, but you can recreate restaurant-quality magic at home.

Simple techniques make seafood preparation feel effortless and elegant.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspire this delectable recipe that feels sophisticated yet approachable.

Come savor every buttery, garlicky bite of these irresistible scallops.

What Makes Garlic Butter Baked Scallops So Flavorful

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: Transform ordinary scallops into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills, making gourmet dining accessible for home cooks.
• Rapid Flavor Explosion: Prepare a sophisticated seafood meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching white wine with chicken broth or adding red pepper flakes for a personalized spicy kick that suits individual taste preferences.
• Elegant Entertaining Option: Impress guests with a visually stunning and delicious seafood course that looks professionally prepared but requires minimal culinary expertise.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh sea delicacies with a delicate, sweet flavor that serve as the star of this dish.

• Garlic, White Wine, Lemon Juice: A classic combination that adds depth, brightness, and aromatic complexity to the scallops.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that provide warmth, balance, and a subtle kick to the overall taste.

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that helps create a luxurious sauce and ensures the scallops remain moist.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-rich topping that adds a golden, crispy layer when baked.
• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant herb that brings a fresh, green note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Bake Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some delicious seafood magic.

Step 2: Prepare Scallops

Gently rinse the scallops under cool water, then carefully pat them completely dry using paper towels. Arrange these beautiful sea treasures in a single layer inside a baking dish.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• White wine
• Fresh lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they’re beautifully combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Coat Scallops With Deliciousness

Pour the garlic butter sauce over the scallops, making sure each morsel gets a luxurious coating of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the scallops, creating a golden, crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the scallops to turn opaque and develop a beautiful golden-brown top.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet seafood creation.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pat scallops completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant, intense flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Select large, fresh sea scallops with a creamy white color and minimal fishy smell for the best taste and texture.
• Avoid overcooking by checking scallops at 12 minutes; they should be slightly translucent in the center and opaque on the edges.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the recipe's rich, savory profile.

Variations of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Herb-Infused Ocean Delight: Replace paprika with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and dill for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Feast: Swap white wine with hot sauce and add Cajun seasoning to create a bold, zesty flavor profile with extra heat.
• Asian Fusion Scallop Bake: Substitute white wine with rice vinegar, add ginger, soy sauce, and top with toasted sesame seeds for an east-meets-west culinary adventure.
• Coconut Curry Scallop Sensation: Mix coconut milk with mild curry powder instead of white wine, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a tropical-inspired seafood dish.

Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the buttery, garlic-infused scallops with its bright, acidic notes.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty French baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Delicate Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy scallop dish and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Enhance Herbed Risotto Base: Plate the scallops over a creamy, herb-infused risotto that absorbs the garlic butter sauce and creates a luxurious, elegant main course.

Storage Guidelines for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum, placing them in a single layer to prevent crushing.
• Warm scallops on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of white wine or butter to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 275F, place scallops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 8-10 minutes. Drizzle extra melted butter to restore original juiciness and flavor.
• Throw away scallops if they develop an off smell, slimy texture, or show signs of discoloration.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

• Are scallops difficult to cook?

Scallops are actually quite simple to prepare. This recipe uses baking, which is foolproof and prevents overcooking, making them tender and delicious every time.

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for opaque, slightly golden tops and a firm texture. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so 12-15 minutes is the ideal baking time to keep them juicy and soft.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely, pat dry thoroughly, and ensure they’re as moisture-free as possible before baking to achieve a nice golden color and prevent steaming.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with garlic butter baked scallops, a Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight that promises elegant simplicity. Succulent sea treasures nestle in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure ocean elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 grams) sea scallops

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to a robust 400F (200C), preparing a welcoming culinary environment for delicate scallops.
2. Thoroughly cleanse scallops under cool running water, meticulously removing excess moisture using pristine paper towels.
3. Strategically position scallops in a single, elegant layer within a spacious baking dish.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking melted butter with aromatic garlic, crisp white wine, zesty lemon juice, warm paprika, and seasoning.
5. Lavishly drench scallops with the prepared garlic butter concoction, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
6. Generously cascade grated Parmesan cheese across the scallop surface, creating a tantalizing golden blanket.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, allowing scallops to transform for 12-15 minutes until they achieve a translucent pearlescent appearance with gentle golden highlights.
8. Complete the culinary masterpiece by adorning with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant finishing touch before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a firm texture and sweet ocean scent for the best flavor and tender results.
• Pat scallops completely dry before baking to achieve a beautiful golden exterior and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty with added seasonings.
• Avoid overcooking scallops, as they can quickly become rubbery and lose their delicate, buttery texture when exposed to heat for too long.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 238 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 327 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg