Introduction
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party. This recipe pairs tender, sweet scallops with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some crusty bread or over pasta for a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450g) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prep and Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a small baking dish or individual ramekins.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- White wine (or broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assemble the Dish
- Place scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.
Bake the Scallops
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- If needed, you can broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end to get a crispier top.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Pair with a light pasta, risotto, steamed vegetables, or toasted baguette.
Method Recap
- Clean and dry the scallops.
- Make garlic butter sauce with butter, garlic, lemon, and wine.
- Assemble scallops in a baking dish and cover with sauce.
- Top with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot with lemon and parsley.