Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Restaurant-Quality Scallops Baked in a Savory Garlic Butter Sauce with Crisp Panko and Parmesan

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an elegant yet simple seafood dish that’s packed with flavor. With tender sea scallops coated in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce and baked until golden, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something special, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the scallops:

1 ½ pounds large sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)

For the garlic butter topping:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish or use individual ramekins for a more restaurant-style presentation.

2. Prepare the scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is an important step — removing excess moisture helps them brown better and prevents a watery dish.

Inspect the scallops for the small, tough side muscle (called the “foot”) — it looks like a small rectangular tag on the side. Pull it off if present.

Season the scallops lightly with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. If using, drizzle with the white wine for extra flavor and moisture.

3. Make the garlic butter topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture is fragrant.

4. Add the topping

Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, covering them generously. You want a nice layer of seasoned crumbs over each one — this will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

5. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of your scallops. They’re done when opaque and slightly firm to the touch. You’ll see some bubbling and browning on top — that’s perfect!

For extra golden topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

6. Serve

Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon. Serve hot!

Tips for Success

Use dry scallops: Wet-packed scallops are treated with a solution that can affect flavor and texture. Look for dry-packed ones from a trusted fishmonger.
Avoid overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Aim for 12–15 minutes max, depending on their size.
Customize the breadcrumb topping: Add chopped chives, thyme, or even a bit of finely chopped shallot to the butter mixture for more depth.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

These scallops pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Light pasta: Linguine aglio e olio or a lemon butter pasta.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini.
Grains: Creamy risotto, wild rice, or herbed couscous.
Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic toast to soak up that flavorful butter.

Variations

Add herbs: Try rosemary, basil, or dill for different herbal notes.
Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter.
Use shrimp: If you can’t find scallops, large shrimp work beautifully with the same garlic butter topping.

Storage and Reheating

Scallops are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store leftovers:

Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it can make scallops rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a fast, flavorful dish that feels fancy without requiring much effort. The combination of rich butter, savory garlic, bright lemon, and crispy breadcrumbs is irresistibly good. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish is a sure win.

Ready to impress? Grab some fresh scallops and get baking!