Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Succulent, tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce make for a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect as an appetizer or main course. With a buttery, garlicky crust and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Arrange Scallops

Place the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop.

4. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook, as scallops can become rubbery.

5. Optional Topping

For a cheesy crust, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the scallops during the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. These scallops pair beautifully with:

Steamed vegetables
Garlic mashed potatoes
Rice or risotto
Crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce

Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops

Dry scallops thoroughly before baking to ensure they sear properly and absorb the butter sauce.
Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—bake scallops in a single layer for even cooking.
Serve immediately; scallops are best fresh out of the oven.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Herb-Infused: Mix in thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for an aromatic twist.
Lemon Zest: Add zest of one lemon to the garlic butter for a brighter flavor.
Broiled Option: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a slightly caramelized top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are quick, elegant, and packed with flavor. They transform a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques. The combination of tender scallops and rich, garlicky butter is classic, comforting, and always impressive.