Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Scallops are a luxurious seafood delicacy, known for their sweet, tender texture and delicate flavor. When baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, they elevate into a dish that’s sure to impress any guest. Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are easy to prepare, yet full of flavor and sophistication, making them the perfect choice for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is simple enough to make and yields mouthwatering results every time. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness, making them irresistible. Let’s dive into how to make this seafood masterpiece!

1. Why Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Are So Irresistible

What makes Garlic Butter Baked Scallops so irresistible is their melt-in-your-mouth texture, paired with the rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Scallops cook quickly, becoming tender yet firm, absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter, and creating a balance of sweetness and richness. The addition of fresh herbs and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds layers of flavor that complement the scallops without overpowering them.

The best part? It’s easy to make, and the simple yet elegant dish feels like something you’d get at a high-end restaurant, but can enjoy right at home.

2. Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

To make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that will bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops and enhance the overall flavor:

1 pound of sea scallops: Fresh, dry-packed scallops are ideal for baking. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

4 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter is the base of the garlic sauce and helps create that rich, savory coating.

4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the star flavor in the sauce, infusing the scallops with a bold, aromatic taste.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For freshness and a burst of color.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, but it adds a rich, salty contrast to the delicate scallops.

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: To brighten up the dish and add a fresh citrusy note.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake the scallops quickly and perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is important, as excess moisture can prevent the scallops from browning properly. Arrange the dry scallops in a greased baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced out.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 4: Drizzle the Sauce Over the Scallops

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops in the baking dish. Make sure each scallop gets a little bit of the sauce. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the scallops for added flavor and a golden crust when baking.

Step 5: Bake the Scallops

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the scallops for 12-15 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when done. You can also check their internal temperature, which should be around 125°F (52°C) for perfectly cooked scallops.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with the garlic butter sauce from the pan spooned over the scallops.

4. Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

While this recipe is simple, a few tips can ensure your scallops come out perfect every time:

Pat the Scallops Dry: This step is crucial for getting the scallops to sear properly. Wet scallops won’t caramelize and develop the rich flavor you want.

Don’t Overcook the Scallops: Scallops cook quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Bake them for no more than 15 minutes, or until they’re opaque and firm.

Use Fresh, Dry-Packed Scallops: If possible, buy dry-packed scallops, as they don’t contain added water. Wet-packed scallops can release water during cooking and affect the texture of your dish.

Customize the Flavor: If you like a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

5. Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Elegant and Impressive: Despite how simple it is to prepare, these scallops look and taste like a gourmet dish, making them perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.

Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, creating a savory, rich flavor with just the right amount of garlic and seasoning.

Healthy and Light: Scallops are low in fat and calories, making this a healthy option that’s still indulgent and flavorful.

6. How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

These scallops are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve them:

With Pasta: Serve the baked scallops over a bed of pasta for a complete meal. The garlic butter sauce will mix beautifully with the pasta.

As an Appetizer: Serve these scallops as a show-stopping appetizer before dinner. They’re perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.

With a Side of Vegetables: Pair the scallops with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

7. Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

If you have leftovers (though they’re likely to be gone in no time!), here’s how to store and reheat the scallops:

Refrigeration: Store the leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the garlic butter sauce with the scallops to maintain their moisture.

Reheating: Reheat the scallops gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. To preserve the texture, reheat them on low heat to prevent overcooking.

Freezing: Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them if needed. Place the scallops in a freezer-safe container with some of the garlic butter sauce and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

8. A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the perfect dish to impress your family and friends. They’re simple to make, yet incredibly flavorful and elegant. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday meal, a special celebration, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent and impressive, make a batch of these delicious scallops. Your family will be asking for them again and again!

9. Conclusion: A Dish to Savor

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an easy yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and golden crust, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or just enjoying a seafood treat at home, these scallops are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s as delicious as it is sophisticated!

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