There’s something magical about garlic butter baked scallops that turns an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. I remember the first time I made them for my anniversary—just five minutes of prep, and suddenly we were dining on something that tasted like it came from a fancy seafood restaurant. The way the butter bubbles around those sweet scallops in the oven, filling the kitchen with the most amazing garlicky aroma… well, let’s just say this recipe became our go-to celebration dish. Perfect for date nights, but simple enough for when you just want to treat yourself!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
You won’t believe how few ingredients make this dish shine! Here’s everything you’ll need for those perfect garlic butter baked scallops:
- 1 lb fresh scallops (trust me, fresh makes ALL the difference)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (go for the good stuff!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re garlic-obsessed like me)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use sea salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for that gorgeous green finish)
See? Simple ingredients that pack unbelievable flavor. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Okay friends, here’s where the magic happens! Making garlic butter baked scallops is easier than you think, but there are a few key steps to get them perfect. Follow along and you’ll have restaurant-quality scallops in no time.
Preparing the Scallops
First things first – grab those gorgeous scallops and pat them DRY with paper towels. I mean really dry – moisture is the enemy of perfect searing! Those little guys should feel almost tacky when you’re done. This step makes all the difference in getting that beautiful golden color on your garlic butter baked scallops.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now for the good stuff! Melt your butter (I zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds) and stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The smell alone will make your mouth water! Pro tip: let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before using – it helps the garlic flavor infuse beautifully into the butter.
Baking the Scallops
Arrange your dried scallops in a single layer in a baking dish – don’t overcrowd them! Pour that glorious garlic butter sauce evenly over top. Pop them into your preheated 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely starting at 10 minutes – you want them just opaque throughout but still tender. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery, and we don’t want that!
When they come out, sprinkle with fresh parsley for that pop of color. The butter will be bubbling around the edges – that’s when you know they’re perfect!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Let me tell you why this recipe is going to become your new favorite:
- Unbelievably quick – from fridge to table in under 30 minutes!
- That buttery, garlicky sauce coats every sweet scallop perfectly
- Looks fancy enough for date night but easy enough for Tuesday dinner
- The aroma fills your kitchen like a seaside bistro
- Perfectly tender scallops that melt in your mouth
Seriously, once you try garlic butter baked scallops this way, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered them at a restaurant!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
After making these garlic butter baked scallops dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfection every time:
- Buy “dry” scallops if you can find them – they sear better than “wet” ones soaked in preservatives
- Keep scallops cold until cooking – room temp scallops overcook faster
- Use an oven-safe dish just big enough to hold scallops in a single layer
- The butter sauce should just coat the bottom – too much and they’ll poach instead of bake
- Pull them when edges look slightly golden but centers still jiggle a tiny bit
Remember – scallops keep cooking from residual heat, so when in doubt, take them out early!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Oh, the possibilities! These garlic butter baked scallops shine brightest when paired with sides that soak up that incredible sauce. My must-haves? A crusty baguette for mopping up every last drop of garlic butter (trust me, you’ll fight over it). For heartier meals, try them over lemony pasta or a crisp green salad. The contrast of textures is magical!
Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Now listen – these garlic butter baked scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must save some (I rarely can resist eating them all!), here’s how: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container with that delicious garlic butter sauce for up to 2 days max in the fridge. When reheating, go LOW and SLOW – just 30 seconds in the microwave at 50% power or warm gently in a pan. Overheating turns these tender beauties rubbery, and we can’t have that!
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops FAQs
Q1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat SUPER dry before baking. Frozen scallops often release more liquid, so you might need to pat them dry a few times for perfect garlic butter baked scallops.
Q2. What’s the difference between “wet” and “dry” scallops?
“Dry” scallops are untreated and sear beautifully – they’re my first choice for garlic butter baked scallops. “Wet” scallops are soaked in preservatives (they’ll feel slippery) and can make your sauce watery. If you can only find wet ones, just dry them extra thoroughly!
Q3. Can I make this without butter?
You could use olive oil, but honestly, the butter makes the magic happen here! For dairy-free, try ghee – it gives that rich flavor without the milk solids. Just don’t skip the garlic – that’s non-negotiable in garlic butter baked scallops!
Nutrition Information
Here’s the skinny on these garlic butter baked scallops (per serving): About 280 calories, 28g protein, and that heavenly garlic butter goodness. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance a bit depending on your ingredients!
Try This Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe and Let Us Know!
Well, there you have it – my foolproof way to make the most amazing garlic butter baked scallops at home! I can’t wait for you to experience that magical moment when you pull these golden beauties from the oven – the sizzling butter, the heavenly garlic aroma, the tender scallops just begging to be devoured. This recipe never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these garlic butter baked scallops and tell me all about it. Did your kitchen smell divine? Did you fight over the last bite? Snap a photo and share your success – I love seeing your culinary adventures! Happy cooking, my seafood-loving friends!
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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – Irresistible 5-Minute Prep Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Garlic butter baked scallops are a simple yet elegant dish. Tender scallops are baked in a rich garlic butter sauce for a flavorful seafood meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat scallops dry and place in a baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour butter mixture over scallops.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until scallops are opaque.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh scallops for best results.
- Do not overcook scallops to keep them tender.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: garlic butter baked scallops, seafood recipe, easy scallops