Tender, juicy scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a golden, savory topping—these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an elegant meal that comes together surprisingly quickly.
The scallops stay delicate and tender while the buttery garlic sauce soaks into every bite. A little lemon and fresh parsley add brightness, making this dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or a little butter.
2. Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture can cause them to steam instead of bake properly.
Remove the small side muscle from each scallop if it is still attached.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well.
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
4. Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and olive oil.
Mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the scallops.
5. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops.
The scallops should become opaque and tender, while the breadcrumb topping should turn lightly golden.
Avoid overbaking because scallops can become rubbery when cooked for too long.
For an extra-golden topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
6. Serve
Remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Spoon some of the melted garlic butter from the bottom of the dish over each serving for even more flavor.
Tips for Perfect Baked Scallops
Pat them dry: Excess water is one of the biggest enemies of beautifully baked scallops.
Use sea scallops: Large sea scallops work especially well for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender.
Don’t overcrowd the dish: Arrange scallops in a single layer with a little space between them.
Watch the cooking time: Scallops cook quickly. Once they become opaque and tender, they’re ready.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a much better flavor than garlic powder.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Scallops
These scallops pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Garlic butter pasta
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Sautéed spinach
- Crusty bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
A piece of crusty bread is especially useful for soaking up the delicious garlic butter left in the baking dish.
Can I Use Frozen Scallops?
Yes. Frozen scallops work well, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
After thawing, pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Avoid cooking scallops while they’re still frozen because they can release too much water and become unevenly cooked.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
For the best quality, enjoy them within 1–2 days. Reheat gently until heated through, being careful not to overcook them.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are proof that an impressive seafood dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender sea scallops, melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, you get incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Serve them with your favorite side dishes and plenty of lemon for a restaurant-style meal right at home.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4