Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops (about 16-20 scallops, cleaned and patted dry)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until the garlic is evenly distributed and the sauce is well combined.
Step 3: Arrange the Scallops
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the garlic butter sauce over each scallop, ensuring each one is coated.
Step 4: Top with Parmesan
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the scallops for a rich, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Scallops
- Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are opaque and easily flake with a fork. The scallops should be tender and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Tips for Success
- Dry Scallops: Be sure to pat the scallops dry before baking to help them sear properly and prevent excess moisture.
- Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Check them around 12 minutes to ensure they are perfectly tender.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a more vibrant flavor than jarred or pre-minced garlic.
Variations
- Herb Butter: Add finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or tarragon to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Crispy Topping: For a crispy crust, broil the scallops for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a bit of heat.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Deliciously Tender: Scallops bake up perfectly tender and juicy with a savory garlic butter sauce.
- Quick and Elegant: Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter and Parmesan create an irresistible combination that complements the sweetness of the scallops.
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops! 🦪🧄🧈
