Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh sea scallops. Succulent scallops are baked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and paprika, making for a tender and savory dish perfect as a starter or main course.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Scallops
- 1 lb (450 g) sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prevent the scallops from sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
- Arrange the Scallops: Place the cleaned scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each scallop, ensuring they are all coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Cook until scallops become opaque and are just cooked through. Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender texture.
- Finish & Serve: Once baked, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the scallops for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra citrus brightness.
Notes
- Do not overbake scallops as they can become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.
- Pat scallops dry before baking to ensure they sear nicely and the garlic butter sticks well.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a mild heat if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 113 grams)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 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: 80 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Scallops, Baked Scallops, Seafood Recipe, Easy Seafood Dish, Lemon Butter Scallops