Description

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. They’re baked in a buttery, garlicky sauce and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping. Simple, elegant, and ready in just 20 minutes — perfect served with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.

Ingredients

1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Prepare the scallops: If scallops are very large, cut in half. Pat dry with paper towels and place in a single layer in the baking dish.
Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and wine (if using). Pour over the scallops.
Add topping: In another bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over scallops.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until scallops are opaque and topping is lightly golden. For a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes — keep an eye on it!

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overbake scallops — they should be just cooked through and tender.

Great served over angel hair pasta, rice, or with a simple side salad.

You can swap wine for chicken broth or skip it entirely if preferred.