1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, pat your scallops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming watery in the baking dish.
Pro Tip: If your scallops still have their side muscle (a small, tough piece attached to the side), gently pull it off. This part is perfectly safe to eat, but it can be chewy, so it’s best to remove it for a more tender bite.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter.
Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and white wine (if using). Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Optional Step: If you’re using Parmesan cheese, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of it into the butter sauce at this stage for an extra layer of richness.
3. Prepare the Scallops
Place the dried scallops in a single layer in a baking dish. If you want an extra fancy presentation, you can bake them in individual gratin dishes or even scallop shells.
Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the scallops, ensuring they’re all nicely coated. The rich garlic butter will infuse the scallops with flavor as they bake.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops. The Panko breadcrumbs will give the dish a beautiful golden, crunchy top, contrasting perfectly with the tender scallops.
5. Bake the Scallops
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch but still tender in the center. If you’re unsure, you can check for doneness by cutting into one—the inside should be opaque but moist.
For an extra golden top, you can switch on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once your scallops are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are an impressive dish on their own, but they’re even better when paired with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Use a rustic, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a fresh, healthy touch.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the scallops over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make the dish more filling.
- Pasta: Toss some angel hair pasta or linguine in the garlic butter sauce for a decadent seafood pasta dish.
For a more decadent meal, you can pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The crisp acidity of the wine will balance the richness of the garlic butter.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a simple yet elegant way to bring a touch of fine dining into your home. The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth scallops with the rich, buttery garlic sauce and crispy Panko topping creates a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
With minimal prep and a short cooking time, you’ll have an indulgent seafood feast on the table in no time—perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners when you want to treat yourself.
Enjoy every bite of this luxurious meal, and don’t forget to serve it with a glass of wine and a side of warm bread to soak up that irresistible garlic butter!