Here’s a simple, elegant, and super tasty recipe for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops—perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion. 🥂🦪
🦪 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Servings: 2–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops (fresh or thawed, patted dry)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil
2. Prepare scallops
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels
- Remove the small side muscle if still attached
3. Make garlic butter sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- melted butter
- minced garlic
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- paprika
- salt & pepper
4. Arrange scallops
- Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish
- Pour garlic butter sauce evenly over scallops
5. Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until scallops are opaque and just firm
- Avoid overcooking (they’ll get rubbery)
6. Finish & serve
- Sprinkle parsley (and Parmesan if using)
- Serve immediately with:
- rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
- steamed veggies
- crusty bread to soak up the sauce
⭐ Tips for Best Results
- Dry scallops thoroughly to get a nice sear and flavor
- Use fresh or properly thawed scallops
- Don’t overcook—they should be tender and slightly translucent in the center