Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – A Luxurious Yet Effortless Seafood Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic butter baked scallops are the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. I love how this recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy, all in under half an hour. The scallops bake gently in a pool of melted butter, garlic, and herbs, absorbing flavor while staying tender and juicy. A light breadcrumb topping adds just enough texture to contrast the soft scallops underneath.

This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress guests but still enjoy the evening myself. I have tested it with both fresh and frozen scallops, and with a little care in drying them well, both work beautifully. Whether served as an elegant starter or a light main course with salad and crusty bread, these scallops deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Scallops are the star of this dish. Large sea scallops are ideal because they remain tender and juicy during baking while offering a satisfying bite.

Unsalted butter forms the rich base of the sauce. Using unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning and highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Garlic provides the bold aromatic backbone. Finely minced garlic disperses evenly through the butter, ensuring every bite is fragrant and savory.

Breadcrumbs add texture and a light crunch. I prefer fine breadcrumbs so they toast evenly without overpowering the scallops.

Parmesan cheese enhances the topping with a subtle nutty depth and helps create a golden crust.

Fresh parsley brings brightness and color, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.

Lemon juice adds acidity, cutting through the butter and lifting the overall flavor profile.

Salt and black pepper season the dish simply, allowing the seafood to remain the focus.

Optional red pepper flakes introduce gentle heat for those who enjoy a slight kick.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or arrange scallop shells on a baking tray if serving in-shell. Pat the scallops dry thoroughly using paper towels, as excess moisture can prevent proper baking.

Arrange the scallops in a single layer. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and stir in the minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Spoon the garlic butter evenly over the scallops. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Sprinkle this mixture over each scallop.

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and tender. For a golden finish, switch the oven to grill mode for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely. Serve immediately.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or 2 as a light main course.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes, bringing the total time to about 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat gently in a low oven to avoid overcooking. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the scallops rubbery.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe adapts well to different tastes and occasions. For a richer topping, you can replace half of the breadcrumbs with crushed buttery crackers, which create a more decadent crust. If you prefer a lighter version, omit the breadcrumbs entirely and focus on the garlic butter and herbs.

Herb variations work beautifully here. Fresh thyme or chives can replace parsley for a slightly different aromatic profile. When I experimented with dill, it added a subtle freshness that paired nicely with lemon.

Cheese can also be customized. While Parmesan is classic, a small amount of grated Gruyère or Pecorino Romano can add complexity. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese, focusing on garlic, lemon, and herbs.

If serving as a main course, consider adding a handful of cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. They roast alongside the scallops, releasing juices that blend with the butter to form a light sauce perfect for spooning over rice or pasta.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Scallops are naturally high in protein and low in fat, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying. Butter and cheese contribute richness, but portions remain balanced. This recipe is gluten-free if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used and can be adapted for low-carb diets by omitting the breadcrumb topping.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Choosing quality scallops
Fresh, dry-packed scallops yield the best flavor and texture.

Drying is essential
Pat scallops thoroughly dry to ensure proper baking and browning.

Avoid overcooking
Scallops cook quickly; remove them as soon as they turn opaque.

Enhance with citrus zest
A touch of lemon zest intensifies freshness without extra acidity.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, thaw them completely and dry well before baking.

What size scallops work best?

Large sea scallops are ideal for even cooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and omit the cheese.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

They can be air-fried, but oven baking provides more even results.

What should I serve with baked scallops?

Crusty bread, salad, or rice pair well.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A splash of white wine adds depth but is optional.

Are bay scallops suitable?

They cook faster, so reduce baking time accordingly.

Can leftovers be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

Conclusion

Garlic butter baked scallops prove that elegant seafood does not need to be complicated. With simple preparation and bold, classic flavors, this recipe delivers reliable results every time. Whether served for a special dinner or a casual gathering, it is a dish that consistently impresses while remaining approachable and refined.

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