Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Delight in tender, juicy scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and fresh lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood to your table in just minutes, garnished with fresh parsley and served with zesty lemon wedges for a burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb (450g) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Arrange the Scallops: Place the cleaned and dried scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each scallop to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Bake the Scallops: Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are opaque and firm to the touch, indicating they are perfectly cooked through but still tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the scallops with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.
Notes
- Do not overcook the scallops to avoid a rubbery texture; they cook quickly and are best when just opaque.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, but you can substitute with regular paprika or omit if preferred.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit added salt.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for a larger crowd.
- Use fresh scallops for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/3 lb (150g) scallops with garlic butter sauce
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: garlic butter scallops, baked scallops, seafood appetizer, quick seafood recipe, easy scallops
Find it online: https://maicook.com/garlic-butter-baked-scallops-recipe-2/