When I first made easy baked scallops, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so decadent! The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth scallops paired beautifully with the zesty tang of fresh lemon. I felt like I was enjoying a gourmet meal at a fancy seafood restaurant, but the best part was that it all came together in just 15 minutes.
This recipe has become my go-to for quick weeknight dinners or when I want to wow guests with minimal effort. Baking the scallops couldn’t be easier, and the flavors are out of this world. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, alongside risotto, or with some fresh greens, these baked scallops are sure to impress every time. And yes, there’s always a fight for seconds in my house!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These baked scallops are a delightful combination of elegance and ease. Here’s why you’ll want to make them over and over again.
Quick and Simple to Prepare
With only four main ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is as beginner-friendly as it gets. Baking is especially forgiving compared to frying or searing, so you’ll have no trouble achieving perfect results.
Packed with Gourmet Flavor
The rich butter, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice combine to create a flavor profile that feels fancy but approachable. Garnish with fresh herbs to elevate it even further. Each bite delivers a burst of zesty, buttery goodness that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.
Versatile Options
You can serve these scallops as a sophisticated appetizer, a light main course, or even a side dish. Pairing them with your favorite carbs, greens, or sauces makes them incredibly adaptable. They shine just as easily alongside pasta or in a fresh salad for a quick upgrade.
Perfect for Entertaining
This recipe has restaurant-quality appeal yet requires only a bit of effort. Your guests will be blown away by the presentation and flavor, without you spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes hosting feel easy but still ultra-impressive.
Healthy and Low-Carb
Packed with lean protein and naturally low in carbs, baked scallops are a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. You can feel good indulging in something that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Cooking Time
Here’s an overview of the time you’ll need for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
A handful of simple ingredients create this masterpiece of a dish.
- Sea scallops
- Unsalted butter
- Old Bay seasoning
- Lemon
Variations
This dish is easily customizable with a few tweaks to suit your preferences.
- Herb Substitutes: Try fresh thyme or dill if you don’t have parsley on hand.
- Garlic Butter Option: Add minced garlic to the melted butter for irresistible fragrance and taste.
- Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a deliciously crispy topping.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning for some heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet: To spread the scallops evenly for baking.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and no sticking.
- Basting Brush: To evenly coat scallops with butter and lemon juice.
- Measuring Spoon: For evenly seasoning with Old Bay.
- Tongs: To handle the scallops gently when needed.
How to Make Easy Baked Scallops?
Making this delicious dish is as easy as following a few simple steps.
Prepare the Scallops
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Remove the small, tough muscle attached to the side of each scallop by pinching it with your fingers and pulling it off. Then, pat the scallops dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture, which helps them bake properly.
Season and Butter Up
Arrange the scallops on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one. Brush both sides with melted butter and squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top. Lightly sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning to give the scallops a flavorful boost.
Time to Bake
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque and firm while maintaining a slightly springy texture. The internal temperature should reach between 125°F and 130°F for optimal doneness.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, garnish your scallops with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges or melted butter on the side for dipping. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the scallops will look picture-perfect!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose Quality Scallops: Opt for dry-packed scallops if possible, as they haven’t been treated with water-retaining chemicals. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Keep Them Dry: Pat the scallops dry before baking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from turning soggy in the oven.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Make sure to leave space between each scallop on the baking sheet. Crowding can cause uneven cooking and release excess moisture.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a burst of vibrant acidity that complements the richness of the scallops perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Baked Scallops?
Presentation matters, especially with a dish this impressive! Arrange your baked scallops on a serving platter lined with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Lemon wedges on the side give a refreshing touch and add brightness to each bite.
Pair this dish with a variety of accompaniments to complete your meal. Serve over creamy risotto, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a light side salad. For dipping, set out a small ramekin of melted herb butter or garlic aioli for that finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for easy baked scallops, per serving.
- Calories: 128
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
Make Ahead and Storage
These scallops are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but here’s how you can store leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Place leftover scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. They’ll retain their flavor and texture better when reheated gently.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked scallops in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a skillet or oven.
Easy Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- Sea scallops
- Unsalted butter
- Old Bay seasoning
- Lemon
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Remove the small, tough muscle attached to the side of each scallop by pinching it with your fingers and pulling it off. Then, pat the scallops dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture, which helps them bake properly.
- Arrange the scallops on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one. Brush both sides with melted butter and squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top. Lightly sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning to give the scallops a flavorful boost.
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque and firm while maintaining a slightly springy texture. The internal temperature should reach between 125°F and 130°F for optimal doneness.
- Once baked, garnish your scallops with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges or melted butter on the side for dipping. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the scallops will look picture-perfect!
Notes
- Choose Quality Scallops: Opt for dry-packed scallops if possible, as they haven’t been treated with water-retaining chemicals. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Keep Them Dry: Pat the scallops dry before baking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from turning soggy in the oven.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Make sure to leave space between each scallop on the baking sheet. Crowding can cause uneven cooking and release excess moisture.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a burst of vibrant acidity that complements the richness of the scallops perfectly.
