Buttery Baked Scallops - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Large sea scallops: Bay scallops won't work in this recipe. They are too small and will become overcooked.
• Unsalted butter: I like European butter, but any butter will be great.
• Dry white wine: The wine adds a nice layer of flavor, but it's OK to skip it.
• Fresh lemon juice: It's best to use fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Use finely grated cheese, not coarsely shredded.
• To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
• Chopped fresh parsley: I use it primarily for garnish, but it also adds flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making these buttery baked scallops:

Prepare a mixture of butter, wine, lemon juice, Parmesan, and spices. Spoon the mixture on the scallops.

Cover and bake the scallops in a broiler-safe dish until cooked through, about 25 minutes, in a 350°F oven.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the scallops with more cheese and paprika. Place the baking dish under the broiler until the tops of the scallops are browned and crispy.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Expert Tips

You Can Use Jumbo Scallops

Instead of 2 pounds of large scallops (15 per pound), you can use 3 pounds of jumbo scallops (12 per pound) and cook them in a 9 X 13-inch pan, as I do in the video below. The remaining ingredients can stay the same.

Don't Use Bay Scallops

It's important to use large sea scallops in this recipe, as shown in the photo below. Small ones, especially tiny bay scallops, will become overcooked.

Remove the Side Muscle

If the scallops have a small, crescent-shaped muscle attached to their side, as shown in the photo below, use your fingers to peel it off and remove it. It gets tough when cooked.

What is the difference between sea scallops and bay scallops?

What is the best way to cook sea scallops?

You can sear scallops, broil, grill, or bake them. Baking is the easiest method; when baked in a buttery sauce, the scallops come out succulent and flavorful.

How long should I cook scallops?

How do you know when the scallops are done?

Serving Suggestions

These baked scallops come out of the oven saucy, and the sauce is exquisite, so you should make the most of it and serve them on something that would absorb the sauce. Here are a few options:

• Cauliflower rice
• Mashed cauliflower
• Zucchini noodles
• Spaghetti squash noodles
• Shirataki noodles
• Hearts of Palm pasta
• Sauteed spinach
• Steamed spinach
• Mashed butternut squash
• Mashed pumpkin

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. I don't recommend freezing the leftovers.

Foodie Newsletter

I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox?Subscribetoday! You can unsubscribe at any time.

Buttery Baked Scallops

These baked scallops are cooked in a lovely butter, lemon, and Parmesan sauce. They're ready in 30 minutes!

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 296kcal

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 664mg