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Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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This easy garlic butter baked scallops recipe delivers plump, juicy scallops in a rich, garlicky lemon-butter sauce with a golden panko topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions and can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops (about 680g), preferably dry scallops
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, gluten-free panko if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Remove the side muscle from each scallop if present. Rinse scallops under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Arrange scallops in a single layer in an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish. If crowded, use a larger dish or bake in batches.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  5. Dollop or lightly spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the scallops.
  6. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the scallops (if using). Drizzle olive oil over the top.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes (less for smaller bay scallops), until the topping is golden and scallops are opaque and just cooked through. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Let scallops rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat scallops very dry for best browning. For gluten-free, use GF panko or skip breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. Do not overbake—scallops are done when opaque and just firm. Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be stored up to 2 days and gently reheated in a low oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked scallops, garlic butter scallops, easy seafood dinner, weeknight scallops, gluten-free scallops, dairy-free scallops, panko scallops, lemon butter scallops, oven baked scallops, seafood recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/garlic-butter-baked-scallops-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/