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Scallops are one of the most elegant and delicious seafood options you can bring to your dining table. With their naturally sweet and delicate flavor, they pair beautifully with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. In this Baked Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe, we’ll walk through a simple, step-by-step cooking process that guarantees golden, tender scallops bursting with creamy richness.

This easy recipe is perfect whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself to something special. The best part? It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a healthy recipe that’s also beginner-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking seafood at home, this dish will change your mind. Unlike pan-seared scallops that can easily overcook, baking them in garlic butter provides a gentler cooking method that ensures moist, tender results every time.

You’ll love this recipe because:

It requires minimal ingredients yet tastes gourmet.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Garlic butter adds richness without overpowering the natural sweetness of scallops.
The dish is versatile serve it as an appetizer, a main course with pasta, or alongside fresh vegetables.

Think of it as a stress-free way to impress family, friends, or even yourself with restaurant-quality flavors at home.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

Scallops are naturally low in calories and fat but packed with lean protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. When baked instead of fried, they retain their nutrients while avoiding excess oil. Garlic contributes antioxidants, while butter (used in moderation) adds healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of comfort and health:

Homemade, step by step cooking ensures no additives or preservatives.
Using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme boosts both flavor and nutrition.
Dual measurements (cups + grams) keep it foolproof for both beginners and experienced cooks.

In short, this is a creamy yet healthy recipe you’ll come back to whenever you crave seafood that’s indulgent but still wholesome.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) large scallops (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
2 tbsp (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

1 tsp red chili flakes (for spice)
2 tbsp white wine (adds depth of flavor)

Substitutions:

Olive oil (30 ml) can replace butter for a lighter version.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Instructions / Method

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfectly baked scallops:

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare scallops: Rinse scallops under cold water, pat dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps them bake evenly.
Make garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter (60 g) on medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (not browned).
Mix topping: In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, and a pinch of salt & pepper.
Assemble scallops: Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour garlic butter evenly over them.
Add lemon juice over the top for brightness. Sprinkle the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
Optional step: Add a splash of white wine around the scallops for extra flavor.
Bake scallops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they turn opaque and tender. Avoid over-baking.
Check doneness: Scallops should be firm but not rubbery, with a golden crust on top.
Rest briefly: Let scallops rest for 2 minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute.
Serve hot with garlic bread, a green salad, or creamy pasta.

Pro Tips:

Always pat scallops dry to get the perfect golden crust.
If using frozen scallops, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Use a shallow baking dish to prevent overcrowding.

Recipe Information Box

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Seafood / Continental

Notes / Tips

Variations

Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
Gluten-free: Use almond flour or GF breadcrumbs.
Vegan twist: Substitute scallops with king oyster mushrooms and use vegan butter.

Substitutions

Butter → Olive oil or avocado oil.
Parmesan → Nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 2 days in advance.
Store baked scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in oven at 180°C / 350°F for 5-7 minutes (avoid microwave).

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Rubbery scallops: Over-baked; reduce time.
Watery scallops: Not dried properly before baking.
Bland taste: Add more lemon juice or season generously.

Tools & Equipment

Oven (preheated to 200°C / 400°F)
Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
Baking dish (ceramic or glass)
Whisk and mixing bowls

Serving Ideas

With garlic bread and fresh salad.
Over linguine or fettuccine pasta.
Pair with a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: ~260
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 420 mg

Conclusion

This Baked Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe is proof that gourmet seafood can be simple, healthy, and achievable in any home kitchen. Whether you’re new to scallops or already love cooking with them, this recipe guarantees buttery, tender results every time.