When I first made these easy baked scallops, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could turn out so delicious. The tender scallops, baked to perfection with butter and a hint of fresh lemon, tasted like something straight out of a fancy seafood restaurant.
The best part? It only took about 15 minutes from start to finish! This dish quickly became my go-to for quick dinners or when I need an impressive appetizer for guests. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be joining your regular recipe lineup, too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Note: This recipe serves 4 people.
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.
If you enjoy hearty dinner options, you can also try baked chicken breast in Alfredo sauce recipe to complement your weeknight meals.
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
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!
For more ideas on simple yet delicious dinner options, be sure to check out best oven baked chicken thighs for another quick, flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe checks every box for flavor, convenience, and elegance. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Packed with Flavor: Rich butter, zesty lemon, and Old Bay seasoning amp up the taste.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or a side. It works every time!
- Quick Cooking Time: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Healthy Option: Naturally low-carb and packed with lean protein.
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.
For a complete meal, serve these scallops over a bed of creamy risotto, alongside roasted vegetables, or atop a crisp salad. Or you can also enjoy them paired with baked chicken Alfredo to create a luxurious dinner spread.
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.
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve learned a few tricks from making this recipe, and here are my top tips to ensure your scallops turn out perfect every time.
- Use Fresh Scallops: Try to get dry-packed scallops, as they aren’t treated with water-retaining chemicals, giving a better flavor and texture.
- Pat Dry: This step helps them bake well and avoid any sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each scallop enough space to cook evenly on the baking sheet.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare!
Easy Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon juiced
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
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.
