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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops baked in rich garlic butter and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner, Seafood
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Arrange scallops in a single layer in the prepared dish and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Spoon evenly over the scallops.
  4. Sprinkle the scallops with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese if using.
  5. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the topping brown.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until scallops are opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden.
  7. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier finish.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
  • Substitute parmesan with pecorino for a sharper bite.
  • Stir fresh herbs like thyme or basil into the breadcrumb topping.
  • Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese to make it dairy-free.
  • Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/garlic-butter-baked-scallops/