I’m here to share my absolute favorite seafood indulgence with you: garlic butter scallops.
There’s something magical about these tender morsels swimming in a bath of garlicky, lemony butter that transforms an ordinary dinner into something restaurant-worthy. They look fancy but secretly take just minutes to prepare.
The contrast between the crispy exterior and that melt-in-your-mouth center is something you simply must experience. Ready to discover how a few simple ingredients can create such an impressive dish?
Why You’ll Love these Garlic Butter Scallops
Simplicity meets elegance in these garlic butter scallops.
I’m talking about a dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. You’ll appreciate how the tender scallops melt in your mouth, bathed in that rich garlic butter sauce that’s practically drinkable.
The lemon adds just the right brightness, cutting through the buttery goodness.
And those golden breadcrumbs? They create the perfect textural contrast.
Ready in under 20 minutes, these scallops make any weeknight feel special.
Can you think of a better way to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat?
What Ingredients are in Garlic Butter Scallops?
For these mouthwatering garlic butter scallops, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
When shopping for scallops, try to find “dry” scallops rather than “wet” ones, as they’ll sear better and have a more natural flavor without added preservatives or water weight.
How to Make these Garlic Butter Scallops
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to guarantee it’s perfectly hot when your scallops are ready to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
Pat 1 pound of sea scallops completely dry with paper towels.
This essential step removes excess moisture and helps the scallops cook properly rather than steam.
Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the dried scallops in a single layer in a shallow baking dish, giving them a little room to breathe.
A ceramic or glass dish works wonderfully for even heat distribution.
For optimal results, consider using a piece from a premium seafood cookware set designed specifically for seafood preparation.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Season this fragrant mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Coat the Scallops
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops, making sure each one gets a generous coating.
The lemon and garlic will infuse into the scallops as they bake.
Step 6: Add the Breadcrumb Topping
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs over the scallops for a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with their tender texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the scallops for 12-15 minutes until they’re opaque and just firm to the touch.
Remember, overcooking will make your scallops tough and rubbery—nobody wants that.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Transfer the scallops to serving plates while still hot, and garnish with lemon wedges.
These delicate morsels are best enjoyed right away when they’re at their most succulent.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Scallops
These delicate, buttery scallops make an impressive dinner centerpiece that deserves equally thoughtful accompaniments. A simple risotto or angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil absorbs all that gorgeous garlic butter sauce without overwhelming the scallops.
For something lighter, try a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears. A crusty baguette is practically mandatory for sopping up the remaining sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.
For drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and lemon notes beautifully. These scallops are fancy enough for date night but quick enough for a weeknight dinner when you need something special without too much fuss.
Garlic Butter Scallops Substitutions and Variations
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh dill, tarragon, or chives depending on what’s in your fridge.
- Fancy Finish: Top with crispy prosciutto bits, toasted pine nuts, or a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely—the garlic butter sauce is delicious enough on its own.
Who knew such a simple recipe could be so versatile?
The key is keeping that gorgeous garlic butter base that makes these scallops so irresistible.
Leftovers and Storage for these Garlic Butter Scallops
Scallops are truly at their best fresh from the oven, but sometimes we can’t finish the whole batch. If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—no longer, as seafood spoils quickly.
To reheat without turning your delicate scallops into rubber, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of butter.
Microwaving works in a pinch (30 seconds, then check), but watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
I don’t recommend freezing cooked scallops, as they’ll lose their prized texture and become watery when thawed.
Trust me on this one—these buttery morsels are worth enjoying while they’re fresh!
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops transform an elegant seafood into a surprisingly simple dinner that feels like restaurant quality without the fuss.
The magic happens in the marriage of garlic-infused butter, bright lemon, and the natural sweetness of perfectly cooked scallops.
They’re ideal for date nights at home when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, or as a sophisticated starter for dinner guests.
With just 15 minutes in the oven, these tender morsels deliver the luxurious experience we crave when seafood is on the menu.
Sometimes the most memorable dishes are the ones that let quality ingredients shine with minimal interference.
