Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are like little treasures from the ocean, each bite bursting with tender goodness and the rich aroma of buttery garlic that’ll make your taste buds dance. Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly baked scallops, kissed by a golden crust, while the buttery sauce clings to them like a warm hug on a chilly day.
As you gather around the dinner table, the anticipation builds; this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. The delightful combination of flavors and textures will have everyone clamoring for seconds, or maybe even thirds! Trust me, these scallops aren’t just food; they’re an experience waiting to unfold.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice cooks and culinary pros
- The flavor profile is a heavenly mix of savory garlic and rich butter that elevates the tender scallops
- Visually, this dish is stunning with its golden-brown finish that looks great on any plate
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, fitting in perfectly for any occasion
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Scallops: Aim for large sea scallops for their sweetness and meaty texture; they make a big impact on your plate.
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter as it enhances the richness of the dish without adding extra saltiness.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a punchy flavor that pairs beautifully with scallops; avoid pre-minced options if possible.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
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Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika gives color and a subtle smokiness to the dish; use smoked paprika if you want more depth.
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Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but adds a splash of color and freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for your oven, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This ensures they bake evenly without overcrowding.
Step 3: Create Your Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, melt about half of the unsalted butter (around four tablespoons) in the microwave until liquid. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and half of your parsley into this buttery goodness. Stir it well!
Step 4: Drizzle Love Over Scallops
Pour your luscious garlic butter mixture over the arranged scallops—make sure each one gets good coverage since we want those flavors packed in!
Step 5: Bake Those Bad Boys
Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until scallops turn opaque and slightly firm to touch.
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Once done baking, remove from oven and sprinkle remaining parsley on top for that Instagram-worthy finish! Transfer to plates with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into that heavenly garlic butter sauce.
Now you’ve got yourself a plate of Garlic Butter Baked Scallops that’ll wow everyone at your table. These gems are perfect for date night or when you just want to feel fancy at home! So go ahead—treat yourself—you deserve it!
You Must Know
- This delightful garlic butter baked scallops recipe brings a touch of elegance to any meal
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, these scallops are juicy and packed with flavor
- Plus, they take hardly any time to prepare!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with garlic butter baked scallops, start by preheating your oven. Next, prepare the garlic butter while the scallops are drying. Then, arrange the scallops in a baking dish and pour over that buttery goodness before baking until they are perfectly tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy twist, or sprinkle some paprika for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile of your garlic butter baked scallops.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover garlic butter baked scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, use a gentle heat in the oven to keep them moist and avoid rubbery textures—nobody wants that!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For succulent garlic butter baked scallops, choose fresh scallops over frozen when possible
- Pat them dry thoroughly; excess moisture can ruin their texture
- Lastly, don’t overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor
It was my grandmother’s birthday when I first made these garlic butter baked scallops for her. Her delighted reaction made me realize that sometimes, simple recipes hold the power to create lasting memories.
FAQs :
What are Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a delicious seafood dish that features fresh scallops baked with a rich garlic butter sauce. The preparation is simple, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The scallops become tender and flavorful as they absorb the aromatic garlic and buttery goodness while baking. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for seafood recipe.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Preparing Garlic Butter Baked Scallops is quick and easy, typically taking around 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for baking. Overall, you can enjoy this delightful dish in about half an hour. The short cooking time ensures that the scallops remain juicy and tender. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want to whip up something impressive yet uncomplicated. For more inspiration, check out this explore more main dishes recipe.
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops; however, it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, pat them dry to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption from the garlic butter sauce. Always choose high-quality scallops for the best results.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Scallops?
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving them over a bed of garlic-infused pasta, creamy risotto, or alongside steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad or crusty bread also complements this seafood delicacy well, helping to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Pair your meal with a crisp white wine for an elevated dining experience.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops :
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops offer a delightful combination of flavors that elevate any meal. With quick preparation and minimal ingredients, this dish is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The warmth of garlic combined with rich butter creates a savory sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. Remember to serve them with your favorite sides to complete your dining experience. Enjoy this scrumptious seafood treat any night of the week!
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious seafood dish that combines tender scallops with a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish makes an impressive appetizer or a main course for any occasion. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy these ocean treasures that promise to elevate your dining experience at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh large sea scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Mix in minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and half the parsley.
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scallops are opaque and firm to touch.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 scallops (about 140g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
