Golden Kissed Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Restaurant Quality in Minutes

Easy Garlic Butter Scallops

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:4 appetizer servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large sea scallops (dry-packed, muscle removed)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, freshly chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 Tbsp dry white wine (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven or broiler to High (about 450°F / 230°C). Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels.
• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 Tbsp of the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 minute until fragrant; do not let it brown. Remove from heat.
• Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional white wine into the garlic butter mixture.
• Arrange the dried scallops in a prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching.
• Distribute the melted garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each scallop. Dot the top of each scallop with the remaining 2 Tbsp of cold, cubed butter.
• Place the dish on the middle or top rack of the oven. Broil for 4–6 minutes, or bake for 8–12 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the topping is bubbling and lightly golden.
• Remove immediately from the oven. Let rest for 1 minute before serving hot with fresh lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:632 kcal

Protein:5.1 g

Fat:24.8 g

Carbs:39.1 g

Fiber:15.9 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:295 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Seafood

Cuisine:American

Why Baking Bests Searing: Unlocking Peak Flavor in Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

As an experienced chef, I’ve spent countless hours mastering the stovetop sear—that beautiful, caramelized crust that makes a scallop sing. However, when the goal is pure, unadulterated flavour saturation, especially when pairing seafood with rich, aromatic fats, the oven takes the crown. Baking allows the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe Easy to truly shine, as the shellfish gently cooks suspended in a bath of melted, infused butter. This method ensures every morsel is enveloped in flavour, preventing the edges from burning while the interior achieves perfect, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It transforms what could be a fussy technique into one of the most reliable Quick Dinner Ideas in the repertoire.

The Allure of the Perfect Baked Shellfish

The magic in this Baked Scallops Recipe isn't just in the speed; it’s in the textural contrast achieved under controlled heat. Unlike searing, where high, direct heat only hits one side, baking bathes the scallop in flavour from all angles while it cooks through evenly. This gentle poaching in flavourful fat is what elevates this preparation from simple shellfish to something worthy of Special Occasion Dinners , even though it fits perfectly into your rotation of Weeknight Meals Scallops .

A Chef’s Endorsement: Elevating the Humble Scallop

When you opt for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops In Oven , you are choosing simplicity as a vehicle for decadence. We are using a classic combination—butter, garlic, and bright citrus—but the delivery system matters. By baking, we create a shallow pool of Garlic Butter Sauce Recipes that never burns, meaning the intense aromatics remain sweet and fragrant right up to the moment they reach the plate. This ensures the natural, delicate sweetness of the sea scallops remains the star.

Achieving That Signature Golden Finish Under the Broiler

While the primary cooking happens in the oven's ambient heat, the final flourish—the golden kiss—is critical. After the scallops are cooked through and plump, a brief blast under the broiler (or grill) provides that necessary textural contrast. This step brings the infused butter on top to a perfect, sizzling bubble and offers a hint of colour without drying out the precious interior, ensuring a pleasing bite every time.

Quick Elegance: When Speed Meets Sophistication

One of the greatest joys of this dish is its incredible speed. With only 10 minutes of prep and less than 12 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a genuine contender for any busy evening when you crave something substantial yet refined. This elegance, coupled with minimal cleanup, makes it an ideal candidate when you need Quick Dinner Ideas that impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.

The Essential Provisions for Divine Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

To craft a truly memorable batch of these scallops, ingredient quality and precise ratios are non-negotiable. Success in this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe Easy hinges on treating the primary ingredient with respect and building the flavour foundation correctly.

Sourcing Superb Scallops: What to Look For

The foundation of any great scallop dish starts at the market. Always seek out "dry-packed" sea scallops. "Wet-packed" scallops have been soaked in a solution that causes them to retain water; when cooked, this water releases, essentially steaming the scallop from the inside out, leading to a watery, rubbery texture. For this recipe, look for large, firm scallops, and ensure the small, tough side muscle—if present—has been removed before you start. This diligence is key to making this dish one of the best Healthy Baked Scallops options, as it ensures you’re cooking pure protein.

The Garlic Butter Brigade: Ratios for Maximum Impact

The aromatic heart of this dish relies on a perfectly balanced ratio. You will require about 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which melts down beautifully to coat the 1 lb of scallops. Into this, we infuse 4 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic—enough to be pungent but not overpowering. Crucially, we balance the richness with the brightness of 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of zest, along with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. If you want a deeper complexity to your Garlic Butter Sauce Recipes , a splash of dry white wine can be incorporated while the butter melts.

Must-Have Tools for Flawless Oven Execution

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tools make the process seamless. You need a small mixing bowl to combine your herbs and citrus with the melted butter, and a suitable baking dish—an 8x8 inch pan or a small oven-safe skillet works perfectly. Most importantly, invest in a quality microplane or zester; this ensures you capture only the bright, flavourful zest from the lemon, leaving behind the bitter white pith.

Preparation Protocol: Patting Dry for Perfect Caramelization

I cannot stress this enough: moisture is the enemy of texture when cooking scallops. Before anything else, take your dry-packed scallops and lay them on several layers of paper towels. Gently pat the tops dry, then flip and pat the bottoms dry. You want them completely moisture-free. This essential step guarantees that when they bake, they absorb the delicious Garlic Butter Sauce Recipes rather than just stewing in their own released liquid.

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Step-by-Step Mastery: Crafting Your Baked Scallop Masterpiece

With your ingredients prepped and your oven heating, the journey to Garlic Butter Baked Scallops In Oven perfection moves quickly. This is where precision timing ensures the final product is neither raw nor tough.

The Critical Transformation: From Prep to Golden Perfection

The total active time for this recipe is remarkably low—around 10 minutes of preparation before they even see the oven. This speed is what makes it such a champion among Quick Dinner Ideas .

Whipping Up the Aromatic Butter Compound

Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of your unsalted butter gently over low heat in a small saucepan. This low, slow melt prevents the butter solids from browning prematurely. Once melted, introduce your 4 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic. Sauté them for precisely one minute; you should smell a wonderful, sweet aroma. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to halt the cooking process, preventing any bitterness. Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the optional splash of white wine. This vibrant liquid is the essence of our Garlic Butter Sauce Recipes .

Arrangement Strategy: Lining Up for Optimal Heat Distribution

Arrange your thoroughly dried scallops in your prepared baking dish. They should be placed so that there is a little breathing room between each one; crowding will lead to steaming, which defeats the purpose of achieving that baked quality. Carefully spoon the melted garlic butter mixture over the top of each scallop, ensuring an even distribution. For an extra layer of richness and to promote that golden finish, dot the top of each portion with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes.

Baking Dynamics: Timing for Tenderness, Broiling for Beauty

Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450° F ( 230° C), or set it to the high broil setting if you are aiming for speed and a quicker crust. If baking, the required time is typically 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your scallops—they should become opaque throughout. If using the broiler, keep a very close watch; this stage only takes 4 to 6 minutes. The goal is that the edges of the butter are bubbling furiously and slightly golden brown, but the scallop interior remains tender. Remove them immediately when done; these are best served the moment they leave the oven heat.

Beyond the Basics: Twists and Enhancements for Your Scallops

While the classic Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe Easy is divine on its own, exploration is key to culinary growth. Consider these minor adjustments to personalize your experience and make these Weeknight Meals Scallops feel new every time.

Serving Suggestions That Complement Richness

Because the star of the show is so rich and buttery, the supporting cast should be light and palate-cleansing. This dish practically begs for something absorbent. A crusty, artisanal sourdough bread is non-negotiable; it serves as the ultimate tool for ensuring not a single drop of that luxurious sauce goes to waste. Alternatively, consider serving these atop a bed of creamy, light risotto or alongside simple steamed asparagus.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Leftover Scallops Sublime

In the rare instance you have leftovers—and I mean rare , given how fast these disappear—proper storage is essential. Cool the scallops completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They are best eaten within 24 hours. Reheating should be brief and gentle; a quick 2-3 minute warm-up in a low oven or microwave will suffice, though the texture will inevitably be slightly compromised compared to fresh-from-the-oven perfection.

Nutritional Snapshot: Decadence Made Mindful

Despite being bathed in butter, this remains a wonderfully Healthy Baked Scallops option when considering the overall macronutrient profile. Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein and essential minerals like selenium and B12. By focusing on high-quality fat (butter) rather than heavy frying, we keep the carbohydrate count negligible, making this a fantastic choice for low-carb diets or simply those looking for a satisfying, protein-forward meal.

Herbaceous Handoffs: Flavor Infusions Beyond Standard Garlic

If you are looking to shift the profile for your next batch, experiment with the herbs. Swap the parsley for finely minced fresh tarragon, which lends a subtle, anise-like complexity perfect for a bistro feel. Alternatively, incorporating a small amount of fresh dill alongside the garlic can pull the flavour profile toward the Scandinavian, especially if you drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil over the final product.

Pairing Pointers: The Perfect Wine Companion for Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

The richness of the garlic butter demands a wine with bright acidity to cut through the fat and complement the natural sweetness of the scallops. Skip the heavy reds; they will clash horribly. Instead, reach for a crisp, unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay, a dry Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), or even a clean, minerally Vermentino. This pairing ensures that every bite of your Garlic Butter Baked Scallops feels balanced, sophisticated, and utterly delightful.