Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for the Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe! This dish brings together plump sea scallops, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and a delightfully crispy topping for a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe delivers wow factor with minimal fuss, letting the sweet, delicate flavor of scallops shine in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of quality ingredients can create something so special! Each component in this recipe plays a role in building those signature layers of flavor and luxurious texture that make the Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe so divine.

• Fresh sea scallops: Look for dry, large scallops for best flavor and texture; avoid pre-soaked or wet-packed types.
• Unsalted butter: Creates that silky, rich sauce that soaks into every bite.
• Fresh garlic: The true flavor star, adding warmth and an aromatic, savory kick.
• Breadcrumbs: Gives a golden, crunchy contrast to the soft scallops and sauce below.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness and helps the topping brown beautifully.
• Lemon: A squeeze of juice brightens the whole dish and balances the richness.
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for color and a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in your scallops.

How to Make Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Start by patting your scallops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial! Removing excess moisture helps the scallops cook evenly and allows the breadcrumb topping to crisp up instead of steaming. Give them a quick check for the small side muscle (it looks like a tiny rectangular flap) and remove it if you spot one—it can be tough when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over gentle heat, then add finely minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just a minute or two, releasing its intoxicating fragrance without browning. This creates the luscious backbone of the Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe and ensures every bite is soaked with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Arrange and Top the Scallops

Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over them, making sure each scallop gets a generous share. Then, in a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, a bit of salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top—it’s going to get crispy and golden in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven and bake until the scallops are just opaque and the topping is bubbling and browned. This usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes, so keep a close eye! The aroma will be your first sign that the Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is nearly ready.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

Once out of the oven, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked scallops and shower them with chopped parsley. The citrus lifts the richness of the sauce, while the parsley adds a welcome dose of vibrant green color and freshness. Serve at once for the ultimate flavor.

How to Serve Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, scatter extra chopped parsley and a few extra shavings of Parmesan right before serving. A final crank of black pepper over the top will not only add a pleasant spice but also make the dish look even more tempting. Lemon wedges on the side give everyone the option to add extra zing.

Side Dishes

The Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe pairs wonderfully with soft, buttery risotto, a light green salad, or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Steamed green beans or asparagus also make bright, fresh companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in scallop shells or small ramekins for an elegant appetizer presentation. Alternatively, arrange the scallops on a large platter and sprinkle with microgreens for a festive party centerpiece. For a cozy meal, serve them straight from the baking dish family-style—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but these will still taste lovely when gently reheated.

Freezing

Freezing fully cooked scallops isn’t recommended, as the texture can become rubbery. However, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the scallops loosely with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the scallops tough. If you want to revive the crispiness, uncover for the last couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?

Yes, absolutely! Bay scallops are smaller and cook a bit faster, so reduce the baking time by a few minutes. They’ll be just as delicious but more bite-sized in the final Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No worries—you can substitute with another fresh herb like chives or even a bit of dill for a different twist. If using dried parsley, use it sparingly as the flavor is more concentrated.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

While unsalted butter lets you control the sodium, you can use salted if that’s what you have. Simply reduce the additional salt in the breadcrumb mixture so your Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe doesn’t end up too salty.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking point, cover, and refrigerate for up to a few hours. Bake just before serving so your guests get the full impact of that fragrant, bubbly garlic butter topping.

What’s the best way to tell if the scallops are cooked through?

Perfectly baked scallops will be just opaque in the center and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep an eye out and take them out of the oven as soon as the topping is golden!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopping seafood dish that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for a celebration, the Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe is it. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and see just how spectacular simple ingredients can taste together—prepare for rave reviews!

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