How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Tender, juicy scallops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs—this recipe is elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Naturally low in carbs and full of protein, these scallops deliver restaurant-quality taste in a lighter, homemade form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
Rich Yet Light: Buttery flavor without heavy ingredients.
High in Protein: Perfect for a filling, nourishing meal.
Low in Carbs: Ideal for those watching their carb intake.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tbsp light butter or ghee
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nonstick spray or a few drops of olive oil for baking dish

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a small baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Make the Garlic Butter

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Dish

• Place scallops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
• Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
• Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top.

Bake the Scallops

• Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and tender.
• Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you’d like a golden breadcrumb topping.

Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
• Serve with steamed veggies, whole grain rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 160 | Protein: 21g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

• Dry Your Scallops: Pat scallops very dry to prevent excess moisture while baking.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor over powdered.
• Breadcrumb Boost: For extra crunch, toast the panko in a dry pan before topping.
• Don’t Overbake: Scallops cook quickly—remove as soon as they’re opaque.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavorful and Fresh: Garlic, lemon, and parsley add layers of flavor without the need for heavy sauces.
• Light But Satisfying: The protein content keeps you full, while the portion size stays in check.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of these are pantry staples, making this an easy go-to meal.
• Elegant Presentation: Looks impressive, tastes luxurious, but is secretly very easy to make.

These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are a perfect example of how you can create a restaurant-style dish at home without complicated prep or excess calories. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful seafood dinner that fits any occasion—from casual to classy.