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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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These garlic butter baked scallops are the perfect combination of tender, juicy seafood and a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon juice, this dish has a delicate balance of flavors that make it taste like a restaurant-quality meal—but with a quick and easy homemade twist.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even special occasions. Serve them with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or enjoy them as an elegant appetizer. No matter how you serve them, these scallops are guaranteed to impress! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs sea scallops
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
  5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
  7. Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

 

Notes

Tips for Perfect Scallops

  • Use dry-packed scallops – Wet-packed scallops release extra moisture and won’t brown properly.
  • Pat them dry before baking – This helps create a beautiful golden crust.
  • Don’t overcook! – Scallops only need 12-15 minutes in the oven; overcooking makes them rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • No Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • No butter? Use olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
  • Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist!

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or stovetop with a little extra butter to keep them juicy.

Would you try these scallops on their own or pair them with creamy pasta? 🍷🍋

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