Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Tender, juicy, and loaded with rich garlic butter flavor, these baked scallops are an easy yet elegant dish perfect for special dinners or cozy nights in. The hint of lemon and fresh parsley brightens each bite, making these scallops simply irresistible!

Nutritional Benefits:

Scallops: High in lean protein and packed with B vitamins and minerals.
Garlic: Contains antioxidants and adds incredible flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds vitamin C, boosting flavor with a fresh citrusy finish.

Ingredients 📋

1 lb sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed 🍋
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Tips:

Drying Scallops: Patting scallops dry helps them get a nice sear and prevents excess moisture during baking.
Cheese Variation: Parmesan adds richness but is optional if you prefer a lighter dish.
Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly! Keep an eye on them to prevent a rubbery texture.

Instructions 🥣

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
Season Scallops: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each one is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Parmesan (Optional): Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the scallops for a golden, cheesy finish.
Bake Scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and slightly golden on top. If you want extra browning, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the scallops, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these scallops with a side of crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter, or pair with a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or creamy risotto for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat scallops in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat to prevent overcooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick to make and incredibly flavorful, these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an impressive, restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy at home. Perfect for seafood lovers and those looking for an easy gourmet meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes