🧄🧈 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Sweet, tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce—simple, fast, and restaurant-level if you don’t overcook them.
Ingredients
- 500 g scallops (patted very dry)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for a light crust)
- 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Optional: pinch of paprika or chili flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat
Oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Make the garlic butter
Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange scallops
Place in a single layer in a baking dish. If there’s excess moisture, dab again—this step matters for texture.
4. Add topping
Pour garlic butter over scallops.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs and paprika (if using).
5. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until opaque and just firm.
(Optional: broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top.)
6. Finish
Sprinkle parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
How to serve
- With garlic bread or crusty bread
- Over pasta or rice
- Alongside sautéed vegetables
Tips that make the difference
- Dry scallops well → prevents watery baking
- Don’t overcook → they turn rubbery quickly
- Use real butter + fresh garlic → huge flavor upgrade
If you want, I can give you a creamy garlic scallop version, a cheesy baked variation, or even a pan-seared restaurant-style method for better browning.