Here’s a detailed recipe for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops—rich, buttery, and packed with garlicky flavor.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Ingredients:
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12–16 large sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp lemon juice
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare garlic butter
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In a small bowl, combine:
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Melted butter
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Minced garlic
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Lemon juice
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Paprika (if using)
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A pinch of salt and pepper
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3. Arrange scallops
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Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the garlic butter
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Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop.
5. Optional topping
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Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the scallops for a cheesy crust if desired.
6. Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and just cooked through.
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Be careful not to overcook—they become rubbery if cooked too long.
7. Garnish and serve
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Sprinkle chopped parsley over the baked scallops.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Scallops:
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Dry scallops thoroughly—this ensures better browning and flavor.
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High-quality butter adds richness; you can mix in a little olive oil to prevent burning.
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Cooking time: depends on scallop size; small scallops need less time.
If you want, I can give a fancier version wi