Baked garlic butter scallops have become my go-to for a quick yet impressive meal. I remember the first time I tried making them; I was a bit nervous about cooking seafood, but this recipe made it so simple! The aroma of garlic and butter melting together filled my kitchen, and the scallops themselves turned out perfectly tender with a delightful golden crust. This easy baked garlic scallops recipe is truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share this garlic butter baked scallops recipe with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked scallops is simply divine.
- Super Quick Prep: With just about 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious meal on the table fast.
- Healthy Choice: Scallops are naturally low in fat and high in protein, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
- Budget-Friendly: This simple baked scallop recipe is surprisingly affordable, especially when scallops are in season.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love these tender, flavorful scallops.
- Versatile: It’s a fantastic appetizer or a light main course.
- Easy to Master: As a simple baked scallop recipe, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Ingredients
Gathering the right garlic butter baked scallops ingredients is the first step to this delicious dish. You’ll need 1 pound fresh sea scallops; make sure they’re dry for the best crust. For the topping, we’ll use 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, which provides a rich base. Then, 3 cloves garlic, minced, brings that essential aromatic punch. A mix of 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese creates a wonderfully crisp topping. Finally, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, adds a fresh, herbaceous note, and salt and black pepper, to taste, will enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Let’s dive into the simple garlic butter baked scallops instructions! This process is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delicious dish. We’ll start by getting our oven nice and hot.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a small baking dish. This prevents any sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Step 2: Gently rinse the sea scallops under cold water and then, this is super important, pat them completely dry with paper towels. Getting them nice and dry is key to that lovely golden crust we’re aiming for.
- Step 3: Arrange the dried scallops in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they have a little space between them so they bake evenly.
- Step 4: Now, let’s make that irresistible topping! In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons melted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Stir it all together until it’s a beautiful, well-combined mixture.
- Step 5: Season the scallops with salt and black pepper to your liking. I usually go with a good pinch of each.
- Step 6: Spoon that glorious garlic butter topping mixture evenly over each scallop. You want to make sure they are well covered for maximum flavor and crispiness. This is where the magic starts to happen, showing you exactly how to bake scallops with garlic butter.
- Step 7: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for the scallops to turn opaque and the topping to become lightly golden and wonderfully crisp. The kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 8: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. If you like, garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve these delicious baked garlic butter scallops immediately and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Want to elevate your scallop game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee the most delicious results every time. Follow these simple tips for the absolute best baked garlic butter scallops.
- Always use fresh, dry sea scallops. Patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels is non-negotiable for achieving that perfect golden crust.
- Don’t overcook them! Scallops cook very quickly. They should be opaque and just firm to the touch. Overcooked scallops become rubbery.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping mixture for a subtle kick.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the scallops just before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect baked garlic butter scallops?
The real secret to the best baked garlic butter scallops is ensuring your scallops are completely dry before baking and not overcrowding the pan. This allows the topping to crisp up beautifully and the scallops to sear slightly, creating that perfect texture combination. For more tips on cooking seafood, check out this guide on seafood preparation.
Can I make baked garlic butter scallops ahead of time?
You can prepare the topping mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the scallops just before serving for optimal texture and flavor. This recipe is so quick, it’s easy to make fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with baked garlic butter scallops?
The most common mistake is overcrowding the baking dish, which steams the scallops instead of baking them. Another pitfall is not drying the scallops enough, preventing that lovely crispy topping. Always ensure they have space and are patted dry! Learn more about common cooking mistakes to avoid.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
These delightful scallops are so versatile! They make an absolutely stunning appetizer, perfect for guests. For a light and elegant main course, I love serving them alongside a simple pasta dish, like linguine with a light white wine sauce. Another fantastic option for garlic butter baked scallops side dishes is a fresh, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. You could also pair them with roasted asparagus or a creamy risotto. The rich garlic butter flavor complements so many dishes beautifully! Consider pairing them with a delicious side salad.
Nutrition Facts for Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
When enjoying these delicious scallops, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Per serving (which includes about 4 scallops), you’re looking at approximately 250 Calories. This recipe is a fantastic source of lean protein, with about 17g Protein per serving. The fat content is around 16g Fat, with 8g Saturated Fat and 6g Unsaturated Fat. You’ll also get about 14g Carbohydrates, with only 1g Fiber and 1g Sugar. The sodium content is around 300mg Sodium. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
Once these delicious scallops have cooled, storing them properly is key to enjoying them later. I usually let them cool on the counter for about 20 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheating them is super simple – for a quick baked garlic butter scallops fix, I pop them in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit rubbery!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Garlic Butter Scallops
What are baked garlic butter scallops?
Basically, baked garlic butter scallops are fresh sea scallops coated in a rich mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until tender and golden. They’re a truly delicious appetizer or light main course that’s surprisingly simple to make, showcasing the natural sweetness of the scallops enhanced by the savory garlic butter topping.
Why bake scallops with garlic butter?
Baking scallops with garlic butter is fantastic because it allows the scallops to cook evenly and gently, preventing them from becoming tough. The butter and garlic infuse the scallops with incredible flavor, while the breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a delightful crispy topping. It’s a method that guarantees a tender, flavorful result every time, making them a crowd-pleaser. Learn more about the benefits of garlic in cooking.
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but it’s important to thaw them completely first. Place the frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, pat them extremely dry with paper towels, just as you would with fresh scallops. This step is crucial for getting that lovely golden crust.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No panko? No problem! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or even crushed buttery crackers for the panko. While panko gives a superior crispiness, other options will still work to create a delicious topping. Just ensure they are finely ground for the best coverage.
Variations of Baked Garlic Butter Scallops You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to explore some exciting variations of this delightful dish. For a bright, citrusy twist, try making lemon garlic butter baked scallops by adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the topping mixture. If you’re a big fan of cheese, you can amp up the flavor with parmesan garlic butter baked scallops by increasing the amount of Parmesan cheese or adding a touch of Gruyere for extra nuttiness. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the butter is fantastic. You can even adapt this to be a garlic butter seared scallops recipe by using a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for that perfect sear. Explore more scallop recipes here.
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Scallops: 12 Minutes to AMAZING Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for baked garlic butter scallops, featuring tender scallops with a crispy, golden topping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Gently rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the dried scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Season the scallops with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Spoon the garlic butter topping mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring they are well covered.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is lightly golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve the baked garlic butter scallops immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh scallops is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Patting the scallops very dry before baking is crucial for achieving a golden crust.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your personal taste.
- For a touch of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the topping mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 scallops
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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