Description
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are succulent, tender, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh scallops and a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, all baked to golden perfection, makes this a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve these scallops as an appetizer or a main dish alongside your favorite sides!
Ingredients
- Scallops: Fresh, large sea scallops (about 1 lb)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Paprika: A pinch of paprika for color and flavor
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for greasing the baking dish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the scallops bake evenly and achieve a nice golden color. Arrange them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika to the melted butter. Stir to combine.
- Coat the Scallops: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops. Make sure they are coated well with the butter sauce.
- Bake the Scallops: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch. The scallops should be tender and juicy, not rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can top the scallops with a small sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Don’t overcook the scallops, as they can become tough. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.
- For added richness, you can use half butter and half olive oil for the garlic butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood