Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a luxurious yet simple seafood dish that elevates any dining experience. These tender scallops are baked to perfection, enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe combines minimal effort with maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in minced garlic. Simmer for about two minutes until fragrant.
- Pat dry the scallops and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. Drizzle with garlic butter, then sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the scallops and add lemon zest if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and opaque.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb (113g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider briefly searing scallops in garlic butter before baking. Experiment with herbs like thyme or sprinkle Parmesan cheese before baking for extra richness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; reheat gently to maintain texture.