Introduction
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is a classic seafood dish known for its delicate flavor, velvety texture, and rich buttery aroma. This elegant recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet sophisticated enough to impress at dinner parties. Baking scallops enhances their natural sweetness while allowing the garlic butter sauce to seep into each bite, creating a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Scallops
- 1 lb (450 g) sea scallops, patted dry
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
- A drizzle of olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins. - Prepare the scallops:
Pat the scallops completely dry (this helps them bake, not steam). Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Make the garlic butter mixture:
In a bowl, mix together:- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Paprika
- Assemble:
Arrange scallops in the baking dish in a single layer. Spoon the garlic-butter mixture evenly over each scallop. - Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops, until they turn opaque and lightly golden on top. Do not overcook—they should be tender, not rubbery. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with toasted bread.
🥘 Methods Explained
Baking
Baking scallops gently cooks them using surround heat, allowing the butter and garlic to infuse deeply without drying them out.
Broiling (Optional Finish)
For a golden crust, broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Drying the Scallops
Removing excess moisture ensures the scallops cook evenly and helps the topping crisp.
📜 History
Scallops have been cherished for thousands of years, from ancient Mediterranean cuisine to East Asian coastal traditions. The modern “garlic butter baked” approach is rooted in French and Italian styles, where beurre blanc and seafood gratin techniques were used to elevate shellfish. The combination of garlic, butter, and baked breadcrumbs mirrors classic French coquilles Saint-Jacques, a luxurious scallop dish served in its shell. Over time, the recipe simplified into this beloved home-cook-friendly version.
💚 Benefits
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein – Promotes muscle repair and energy.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Supports heart and brain health.
- Low in calories – Ideal for lighter gourmet meals.
- Contains B12, magnesium, and zinc – Boosts immunity and metabolism.
- Garlic and lemon add antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Culinary Benefits
- Quick to prepare (under 20 minutes).
- Elegant flavor without complex techniques.
- Pairs well with pasta, salads, and wine.
🧱 Formation (How the Dish Comes Together)
The formation of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops involves layering flavor and texture:
- Base Flavor Formation:
Garlic and butter melt together, creating a rich aromatic base. - Texture Formation:
Parmesan and breadcrumbs combine to form a lightly crisp crust as it bakes. - Moisture + Heat:
The scallops release minimal moisture while the butter thickens, enveloping them in a creamy sauce. - Final Development:
Heat caramelizes the top layer and gently cooks the scallops until perfectly tender, resulting in a balanced blend of savory, buttery, and citrus notes.
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