Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

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🐚 Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a beautifully simple yet luxurious dish that perfectly showcases the delicate sweetness of fresh scallops. Bathed in rich garlic butter and topped with crisp golden breadcrumbs, these scallops are tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth. This elegant seafood dish takes just minutes to prepare, yet tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant — perfect for a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or any time you want to indulge.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Scallops have long been prized in European coastal cuisines, especially in France, Italy, and New England (USA). Their mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with butter, garlic, and breadcrumbs — a timeless combination rooted in classic French “gratin” cooking.
The method of baking scallops with breadcrumbs and butter became popular in seaside towns where fishermen would prepare them fresh from the ocean. Today, Garlic Butter Baked Scallops remain a symbol of elegant simplicity — a celebration of good ingredients and refined taste.

Ingredients and Quantities

Serves 4

  • 1 lb (450 g) large scallops, patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Additions

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a mild kick.
  • Substitute white wine for part of the butter for extra depth.
  • Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a more decadent crust.
  • Use herb butter with thyme, rosemary, or dill for variation.
  • Serve over pasta or risotto for a heartier meal.

Tips for Success

  1. Pat the scallops dry before cooking — this ensures they bake evenly and brown slightly on top.
  2. Don’t overbake — scallops cook quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery.
  3. Use fresh scallops whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
  4. Broil briefly at the end if you want a crisp golden topping.
  5. Serve immediately — scallops are best enjoyed hot and tender from the oven.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven:
    Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the garlic butter:
    In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  3. Arrange the scallops:
    Place the scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.
    Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them.
  4. Top with breadcrumbs:
    In another small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of butter.
    Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the scallops.
  5. Bake:
    Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
    (Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispness.)
  6. Garnish and serve:
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Description

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are pure indulgence — tender, delicate scallops nestled beneath a golden, garlicky breadcrumb crust. The butter adds richness, the garlic brings depth, and the lemon brightens every bite. The texture is divine: slightly crisp on top and meltingly soft beneath. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but comes together effortlessly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: <1 g
  • Sugar: <1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg

(Values vary depending on the amount of butter and breadcrumbs used.)

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for a weeknight, this dish offers a balance of buttery richness and fresh, oceanic sweetness that will impress every guest — or just make your dinner feel special.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • Lemon butter pasta or risotto for a full meal
  • Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or green beans for a light side
  • Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce
  • A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently — avoid overcooking.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

To make this dish lighter while keeping it flavorful:

  • Use half the butter and replace with olive oil.
  • Substitute whole-wheat breadcrumbs for fiber.
  • Add extra lemon juice and herbs instead of salt for brightness.
  • Pair with steamed vegetables or quinoa for a balanced meal.

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