Name: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Ingredients: 1 lb sea scallops – Ensure they are cleaned, patted dry, and at room temperature before baking, as this helps them cook evenly.; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Melted butter yields a luxurious sauce that infuses the scallops with flavor.; 3 garlic cloves – Minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic quality to the dish and complements the sweet scallops beautifully.; 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.; Garnish (optional) – Fresh parsley for color and a lemon wedge for extra zest when serving.

Description

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops – tender, juicy scallops in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb sea scallops – Ensure they are cleaned, patted dry, and at room temperature before baking, as this helps them cook evenly.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Melted butter yields a luxurious sauce that infuses the scallops with flavor.
3 garlic cloves – Minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic quality to the dish and complements the sweet scallops beautifully.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Garnish (optional) – Fresh parsley for color and a lemon wedge for extra zest when serving.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the scallops cook evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare your baking dish: Grease a small baking dish with cooking spray or a little melted butter to prevent sticking. This will help keep the scallops beautifully intact when serving.
Mix the garlic butter: In a medium bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well until combined for a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Arrange the scallops: Place 1 lb of cleaned sea scallops in a single layer in the greased baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper cooking.
Drizzle with garlic butter: Generously drizzle the prepared garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring each one is well coated. This is essential for flavor penetration.
Bake the scallops: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque in the center and have a slightly golden hue. Avoid overcooking as this can result in tough scallops.
Serve immediately: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Enjoy your delectable garlic butter baked scallops warm, allowing the heavenly aromas to captivate your guests!