Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is a perfect complement to the sweetness of the scallops.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25-30 minutes, this recipe is both simple and impressive.
- Tender and Juicy: Baked to perfection, the scallops stay tender and moist.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different herbs or a spicy twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Scallops:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh or frozen sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Scallops: Thaw and pat dry the scallops if using frozen. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and Parmesan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pour the sauce over scallops, then bake for 12-15 minutes, until opaque and flaky.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15-20 minutes baking)
Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make the sauce creamy by adding heavy cream.
- Grill the scallops instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
2. How do I know when the scallops are done?
They should be opaque and firm when tested with a fork.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time.
4. Can I use butter substitutes?
Yes, you can use ghee or plant-based butter if preferred.
5. What should I serve with these scallops?
They pair well with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
6. How do I avoid overcooking scallops?
Monitor them closely and bake only until opaque.
7. Can I freeze the scallops after cooking?
Scallops don't freeze well once cooked, as they may become rubbery.
8. Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
Parmesan is preferred, but you can experiment with asiago or romano.
9. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
10. How do I make scallops crispy?
Sear the scallops first in a hot pan before baking.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the perfect combination of sweet, tender scallops and savory, aromatic garlic butter sauce. Quick and simple to prepare, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself, these scallops are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a rich and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender scallops baked in a buttery garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a gourmet dinner at home, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Scallops:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh or frozen sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Scallops:
- If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely and pat dry.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
-
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake the Scallops:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place scallops in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and tender.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked scallops.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan if desired
Notes
- To prevent overcooking, remove scallops from the oven as soon as they turn opaque.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time for quicker prep.
