Tender sea scallops broiled to perfection with garlic butter and lemon, creating a crispy, golden crust while remaining juicy inside. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, broiled scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor in no time.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Rich and flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, lemon, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste.
Elegant yet simple – Looks and tastes gourmet without requiring complicated techniques.
Perfectly cooked scallops – Broiling gives them a golden crust while keeping them tender inside.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat the broiler and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a broiler-safe dish.
Brush the scallops generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops.
Broil for 6-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scallops are opaque in the center.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Spicy kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for some heat.
Herb-infused – Mix in fresh thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
Breadcrumb topping – Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for extra crunch.
Citrus twist – Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a subtle variation.
Dairy-free option – Swap out the butter for olive oil and skip the Parmesan.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Freezing: It’s best to enjoy them fresh, as freezing can affect the texture.
FAQs
How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?
Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooked scallops become tough, so keep an eye on them while broiling.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but they should be fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What should I serve with broiled scallops?
They pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta. A side of crusty bread is great for soaking up the garlic butter.
Can I make this recipe without a broiler?
Yes, scallops can be seared in a hot skillet with butter or baked at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
Why do my scallops release a lot of liquid when cooking?
This can happen if they aren’t fully dry before broiling. Pat them well with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Conclusion
Broiled scallops are a simple yet luxurious dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked scallops with minimal effort. Try them with different variations and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
📖 Recipe:
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Broiled Scallops
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Broiled scallops are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Topped with Parmesan and broiled to golden perfection, this easy yet elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in under 20 minutes, these scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a broiler-safe dish.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the scallops.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Broil for 6-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scallops are opaque in the center.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a crispy topping, mix Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs before broiling.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Dry scallops well before cooking to prevent excess liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Seafood, Dinner
- Method: Seafood, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal
