Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Deliciously tender scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a crispy Parmesan topping.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

2 pounds large sea scallops (15 per pound)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons dry white wine (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
3.75 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup, divided)
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon of any other salt)
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
0.25 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the scallops in a lightly greased casserole dish that is safe for both oven and broiler.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, white wine, lemon juice, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, and cayenne with a fork. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Spoon a portion of the butter mixture over each scallop, ensuring an even distribution so every scallop is coated in that delicious sauce.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake the scallops until they are cooked through, opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C). This typically takes around 25 minutes for large scallops. Begin checking for doneness after 20 minutes.
Once the scallops are cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Switch the oven setting to broil and adjust the rack to be 6 inches below the heating element.
Uncover the scallops, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and paprika over them, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the tops are browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broiling can cook quickly.
Finish off by sprinkling the scallops with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the scallops just before serving.

Keyword Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe