![- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and thoroughly patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced finely - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving These ingredients create a tasty dish. The scallops bring a sweet, ocean flavor. The garlic and butter add richness, while lemon gives a bright touch. - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh thyme or dill for herbs - Grated Parmesan for a cheesy crust Adding these can make the dish even better. You can customize it to fit your taste. A bit of heat or cheese can make a big difference. When choosing scallops, look for these signs: - They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Their flesh should be firm and slightly glossy. - Avoid scallops that are dry or have brown spots. Fresh scallops make a big difference in taste. They should look and smell fresh. Remember, quality matters for the best results. If you want to make this dish, check the [Full Recipe] for all the steps. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the scallops cook evenly. While the oven heats, lightly grease a medium baking dish. You can use butter or a cooking spray. This step prevents sticking and makes serving easier. In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic to the butter. Next, mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. For flavor, add 1 teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and colorful. This garlic butter will give your scallops a rich taste. Take 1 pound of cleaned sea scallops and pat them dry. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in your greased baking dish. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this helps them cook well. Drizzle your garlic butter mixture over the scallops. Ensure each scallop gets a nice coating for great flavor. Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The scallops will look opaque and feel slightly firm when done. For a golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for a minute. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy this quick and savory delight! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To get the best texture for your garlic butter baked scallops, start with fresh scallops. They should be moist and firm. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them brown nicely in the oven. When you bake them, don’t crowd the scallops. Space them out in the dish. This ensures even cooking and lets the heat circulate well. For a crispy top, broil them for a couple of minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly. A common mistake is using frozen scallops. If you must, thaw them slowly in the fridge. Another pitfall is overcooking. Scallops cook fast, usually in about 12 to 15 minutes. If they turn too firm, you've cooked them too long. Remember to season generously. A lack of seasoning can dull the flavor. Lastly, don't skip the lemon juice. It brightens the dish and enhances the overall taste. When serving garlic butter baked scallops, pair them with fresh lemon wedges. The zest adds a nice touch. You can also serve them over a bed of creamy risotto or pasta. This adds a filling element to your meal. For a light option, try them on a fresh salad. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the scallops well. If you want something heartier, serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor by adding herbs. Try thyme or dill for a fresh taste. A pinch of chili flakes adds heat. Mix in tarragon for a sweet, anise-like flavor. Each herb gives a unique twist to your garlic butter baked scallops. Scallops are great, but don’t stop there! Shrimp or lobster work well too. Both seafood options bake nicely in garlic butter. They offer a different texture and taste. You can even mix scallops with these seafood types for a delightful medley. To make this dish gluten-free, check labels on your butter. Use a dairy-free butter or olive oil instead. This keeps your dish rich without dairy. You can still enjoy the same great flavor while meeting dietary needs. After you enjoy your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps them moist while reheating. Heat for about 10 minutes. Check if they are warm enough before serving. If you want to save your scallops for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scallop in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scallops in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a full recipe, check out the details in the main article. For baking, sea scallops are the best choice. They have a sweet, tender texture. Look for fresh, plump scallops that smell clean and ocean-like. Avoid scallops that appear dry or smell fishy. If you can get dry-packed scallops, they are even better. These have no added chemicals and offer a great taste. Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and clean the scallops in advance. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the scallops covered in the fridge, too. When you're ready to bake, just combine them and follow the steps from the Full Recipe. This will save you time on busy days. To check if scallops are done, look for a bright white color. They should feel firm and opaque. A simple test is to poke one gently with a fork. If it flakes easily, it is done. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery. Garlic butter baked scallops go well with many sides. Here are a few options: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Lemon garlic asparagus - Fresh green salad - Steamed rice or quinoa - Garlic bread for a tasty dip These dishes complement the rich flavor of the scallops and enhance your meal experience. To sum up, we covered key tips for making garlic butter baked scallops. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tricks. Remember to choose fresh scallops for the best taste. Explore variations to keep it exciting. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can impress friends and family with a delicious meal. Enjoy cooking and taste the difference!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7791385f-5e62-4d09-ae2f-ad30bbc19968-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with this easy recipe! Perfectly tender sea scallops are drizzled with a rich garlic butter mixture and baked for a mouthwatering dish ready in just 20 minutes. Ideal for impressing guests or a special dinner at home, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Click through to discover how to make this seafood delight that everyone will love!