Delicious choice — garlic butter baked scallops are elegant, quick, and full of rich, buttery flavor. 🧈✨
Here’s a perfect restaurant-style recipe that’s easy to make at home:
🐚 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Ingredients
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1 lb large sea scallops (about 12–15)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prep the scallops
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Rinse scallops under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels (moisture prevents browning).
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the garlic butter
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
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Spoon a little of the mixture into the bottom of a small baking dish (just big enough for the scallops to fit in a single layer).
3. Assemble
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Arrange scallops in the dish.
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Pour remaining garlic butter evenly over them.
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In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly on top.
4. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and tender.
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(Optional) For a golden top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
5. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Tips
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Avoid overcooking: Scallops cook fast — when they turn opaque and just firm, they’re done.
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Dry scallops = perfect sear and texture. Always pat them dry first.
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You can add a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix for color and a hint of spice.
Would you like me to give you a creamy garlic butter version (like a baked scallop gratin) or a lighter lemon-herb version next?
