Let me tell you, this garlic butter baked scallops recipe is one of my absolute favorites! It’s so simple yet utterly delicious, and it never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the aroma of garlic and butter filled the kitchen, and they couldn’t wait to dig in. Scallops are such a treat, and when baked with that rich garlic butter, they become melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You’ll want to savor every bite, trust me!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures that the scallops cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your ingredients!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. This is where the magic starts! Just keep an eye on it—too high of a heat can burn the butter, and we definitely don’t want that. You want it just melted and bubbly, not browned. Trust me, this step sets the stage for the rich flavor that will coat your scallops.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Oh wow, the aroma is heavenly! It’s like a warm hug in the kitchen that’ll make your mouth water. Just be careful not to overcook it; we want that fresh garlic taste to shine through.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the lemon juice and then remove the pan from the heat. This little addition adds a burst of brightness that complements the richness of the butter and garlic perfectly. It’s my secret weapon for flavor that really elevates the dish!
Step 5: Prepare the Scallops
Now, let’s get those scallops ready! Place them in a baking dish in a single layer. You want them to be snug but not overcrowded; this way, they’ll bake beautifully and get that nice texture. You’re almost there!
Step 6: Add Garlic Butter
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure every one of them gets a good drizzle. This will ensure they soak up all that delicious flavor while baking. It’s like a warm bath of buttery goodness!
Step 7: Season and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley on top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they look perfectly plump and inviting. Get ready for a delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic that elevates the scallops.
- Healthy and low-fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfect for both special occasions and easy weeknight dinners.
- Minimal ingredients mean it’s budget-friendly and accessible.
- Impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter baked scallops turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I swear by:
- Choose Fresh Scallops: Always opt for fresh scallops if you can find them! They should smell like the ocean—not fishy. If you’re using frozen ones, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry for the best results.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a bit more! Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can cut back on the garlic. It’s all about your taste, so experiment a little!
- Serve with Style: I love serving these scallops with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing! A fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter makes for a fantastic meal.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Scallops cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. You want them tender and juicy, not rubbery!
- Garnish for Color: A sprinkle of extra parsley or even some lemon zest on top right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that makes the dish even more appetizing.
With these tips, I know you’ll nail this recipe! Enjoy the process, and let me know how it turns out!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into enjoying these scrumptious garlic butter baked scallops, I want to share a little note about the nutritional information. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general guideline. Typically, each serving contains around:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Sugar: 0g
So, whether you’re watching your intake or just enjoying a delicious meal, this dish strikes a nice balance. Enjoy every bite, and feel good about treating yourself to something so delightful!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen scallops! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from getting watery.
How do I know when the scallops are done?
You’ll know your garlic butter baked scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm up a bit. They should look plump and inviting! If they’re overcooked, they can become tough, so keep an eye on them.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or even panko for a crunchier topping! Alternatively, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can give a unique flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter and scallops ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Then, bake them just before serving for maximum freshness!
What sides pair well with garlic butter baked scallops?
These scallops are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables. Lemon wedges on the side are also a must for that extra zing!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your garlic butter baked scallops, there are some delightful accompaniments that really elevate the whole meal! Here are my top suggestions:
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the scallops.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal veggies adds color and a nutritious touch to your plate.
- Lemon Wedges: Always serve with lemon wedges on the side! A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
- Rice or Quinoa: A light, fluffy bed of rice or quinoa makes for a hearty side that complements the scallops perfectly.
With these sides, you’ll create a truly memorable dining experience that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to join you! Enjoy!
For more tips on cooking scallops, you can check out Serious Eats.
If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of scallops, visit Healthline.
For a delicious side dish, consider making garlic bread pasta to accompany your scallops!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe: 7 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious garlic butter baked scallops recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Place scallops in a baking dish.
- Pour garlic butter over scallops.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parsley on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until scallops are opaque.
Notes
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
- Pairs well with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: garlic butter baked scallops recipe