![- 12 large sea scallops, cleaned and dried - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Breadcrumbs (optional for topping) Gathering the right ingredients is key. Start with quality sea scallops. Choose 12 large ones. Make sure they are clean and dry. This helps them bake evenly. Next, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds rich flavor. Mince 4 cloves of fresh garlic finely. You want that garlic to blend well. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley for a touch of color. Squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. Don't forget to zest 1 lemon too. The zest boosts the lemon flavor. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Breadcrumbs are optional. They add a nice crunchy topping. These ingredients create a lovely and savory dish. You can find the Full Recipe for detailed steps and tips. - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare baking dish with light greasing. First, set your oven to preheat. This step ensures your scallops cook evenly. While the oven heats, grab your baking dish. A little grease on the bottom helps prevent sticking. - Combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, zest, and seasonings. - Whisk until smooth and combined. Next, melt the butter in a bowl. I like to use unsalted butter for better control of flavor. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and zest. You can add red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Whisk it all together until smooth. The smell will be amazing! - Dry scallops thoroughly. - Arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. - Drizzle garlic butter mixture over scallops. Now, take your scallops and dry them well with a towel. This step is key to getting that nice sear and texture. Lay the scallops in a single layer in your greased dish. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over them. Every scallop deserves a good coat! - Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. - Bake for 12-15 minutes until opaque. - Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden finish. If you want a crunchy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the scallops. Then, pop them in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. They are done when they look opaque and firm. For a golden finish, switch on the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want to burn the top! Enjoy your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, a dish that's simple yet full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above. To get the best flavor and texture, always dry your scallops before cooking. This step removes excess moisture. If scallops are wet, they won't brown properly. Use a paper towel to pat them dry thoroughly. When baking, look for signs of doneness. Scallops should turn opaque and feel firm. They usually take about 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You can add more flavor to your scallops. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish. Spices such as paprika or dill also work well. Mix in a touch of Parmesan cheese for a rich taste. Experiment with different types of butter. Garlic herb butter or lemon butter can bring unique flavors. Garnishing makes your dish visually appealing. Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color. Lemon wedges not only look great but add fresh zest when squeezed. Serve scallops on a bed of greens or with rice for a stunning plate. A sprinkle of paprika can add color and enhance the look. {{image_4}} You can make garlic butter baked scallops even more delicious by adding cheese. Try a sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère on top. This will bring a creamy texture and rich flavor. Another fun twist is to use different citrus juices. You can swap lemon juice for lime or orange juice. This change adds a bright taste to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well as regular ones. You can also skip the breadcrumbs if you want a lighter dish. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your garlic butter baked scallops fresh, store them properly. First, let the scallops cool to room temperature. Then, use these best practices: - Place the scallops in an airtight container. - If you have extra garlic butter, pour it over the scallops. - Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers works best for storage. These materials help keep the scallops fresh and safe. Reheating scallops needs care to avoid overcooking them. Here’s how to do it right: - Use the oven: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place scallops in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. - Use the microwave: Place scallops on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. For the best taste, enjoy leftovers as is, or add them to pasta or salads. This way, you can savor the flavors of garlic butter baked scallops again! Yes, you can use frozen scallops. First, thaw them safely. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. Drying helps them sear well and prevents excess water in your dish. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Lightly seasoned rice - Steamed asparagus - Fresh garden salad - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast These sides balance the rich flavors of the scallops and create a full meal. Perfectly cooked scallops should look opaque and firm. They will feel slightly springy to the touch. If they are slightly translucent, they need more time. Always watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough. For detailed instructions on making Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious garlic butter baked scallops. We discussed the important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and various serving ideas. Now, you're ready to impress your guests or enjoy a tasty meal at home. Remember, the key is in the details. Follow these steps, and your scallops will turn out amazing. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2584ee2d-ac61-4066-9ff8-95936299039c-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Indulge in the perfect seafood dish with these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops! This easy recipe combines tender scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon, and a touch of spice for an unforgettable flavor. Learn how to prepare these delicious scallops in just 25 minutes, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!