Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicate, flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce are easy to prepare, elegant, and bursting with flavor. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
Rich, buttery, and garlicky flavor
Perfectly tender scallops without overcooking
Elegant presentation for dinner parties
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor

Ingredients

1 pound large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Garlic Butter

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

3. Arrange Scallops

Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour garlic butter mixture evenly over scallops, ensuring each one is coated.

4. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and just firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking—they can become rubbery.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Pair with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops

Pat scallops dry to get a better sear and flavor
Do not overcrowd the baking dish—scallops cook best in a single layer
Adjust garlic and lemon to taste for more zest or aroma
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter

Variations

Parmesan Garlic Scallops: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over scallops before baking
Herb-Infused: Add thyme, oregano, or dill for a fresh herb flavor
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat
Broiled Version: Broil for 4–6 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp top

Storage

Best served fresh; scallops are not ideal for reheating
If necessary, store cooked scallops in the refrigerator for 1 day and gently reheat

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, or rice
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water
Make it a starter or main course for holiday meals or dinner parties

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are elegant, simple, and incredibly flavorful. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for a fuss-free yet impressive meal.