Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops are a savory blend of fresh garlic and melted butter over lemon slices and scallops with a pinch of heat from red chili flakes. They’re great for a quick 30-minute weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner and will certainly impress your guests with their beautiful presentation and mouthwatering rich flavors.

If you love scallops be sure to also try Lemon Butter Pan Seared Scallops, or Baked Sea Scallops.

Sheet pan garlic butter scallops baked in sea shells.

What Are Garlic Butter Scallops?

Garlic butter scallops are both tender and crispy with a golden brown outside and a perfectly chewy inside easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal!

Scallops are a type of shellfish that are prized for their delicate texture and sweet, but briny flavor. 

They are a good source of protein and low in fat, making them a healthy choice.

There are two main kinds of scallops: sea scallops and bay scallops. Sea scallops are larger and meatier than bay scallops, and they have a slightly sweeter flavor. They’re available both fresh and frozen with fresh scallops being the most prized for their flavor and texture.

Bay scallops are smaller and more delicate than sea scallops, and they have a milder, sweeter flavor. They are often used in dishes like seafood stews and pasta dishes, where their delicate texture and flavor can shine through.

When it comes to preparing scallops, there are two main types: wet scallops and dry scallops. Wet scallops have been treated with a solution of water and sodium tripolyphosphate, which helps them retain moisture and increases their shelf life. Dry scallops, on the other hand, have not been treated with this solution, which means they have a more natural flavor and texture.

Larger sea scallops are the best choice for this dish, as they’re meaty and hold up well to cooking. The flavorful garlic butter sauce creates a delicious coating on the scallops.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a seafood lover, you’re going to adore this easy sheet pan scallops recipe. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this recipe:

  • Quick and easy: This scallops garlic butter dish requires very little time and effort to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Incredibly flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor that perfectly complements the sweet, delicate taste of the scallops.
  • Outstanding presentation: This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with a touch of golden brown, vibrant herbs, and lemon slices that add a pop of color to the dish.
  • Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for pasta or rice.

In addition to being delicious and easy to make, these garlic and butter scallops are also a great source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer for your next dinner party, this recipe is an excellent choice!

Ingredients for garlic butter scallops recipe.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making sheet pan garlic butter scallops, there are a few key ingredients you’ll need to have on hand. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this garlic butter scallops recipe:

  • Scallops – of course, the star of the show is the scallops themselves. Look for fresh, large sea scallops for best results. Make sure to use clean scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure they get a nice sear.
  • Butter – butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing richness and flavor. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Just be sure to taste before adding any additional salt. 
  • Garlic – garlic adds a wonderful, savory flavor to the dish. Use minced garlic or whole garlic cloves, depending on your preference.
  • Lemon – lemon slices add a bright, acidic note to the dish, balancing out the richness of the butter.
  • Cilantro – fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also use other herbs like parsley, tarragon, dill, or thyme if you prefer.
  • Salt and pepper  – are essential for seasoning the scallops and bringing out their natural flavor. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.
  • Olive Oil – oil helps to prevent sticking and allows the outside of the scallops to brown more easily. 
  • Chili pepper flakes – chili flakes add an additional spice that really kicks these scallops up a notch. 
Raw scallops in sea shells.

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Preparing these easy broiled scallops is super simple. Here are brief steps to make perfectly seared scallops with a delicious butter sauce. For the full description, see the recipe card below. 

  1. Combine the ingredients for the garlic butter sauce. 
  2. Place the scallops and lemon slices in a single layer on a sheet pan and pour over the sauce.
  3. Bake until the top of the scallops are slightly golden brown.

Note: A heavy sheet pan is essential for cooking the scallops evenly and ensuring they get a nice sear. Make sure to use a rimmed sheet pan to prevent any juices from spilling over.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving scallops in garlic butter, there are endless possibilities. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get started:

Appetizer

Garlic butter scallops make a great appetizer. Serve them with a slice of bread or toasted baguette to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also add some capers for a tangy, salty flavor.

Main Course

For a main course, you can serve this outstanding seafood scallop dish over a bed of pasta or rice. Black pepper and herbs such as rosemary or fresh parsley can be used to add depth of flavor to the dish. You can also add some roasted asparagus or a side salad to balance out the meal.

Seafood Pairing

Sheet pan garlic butter scallops pair well with other seafood dishes. You can serve them alongside crab cakes or grilled fish for a seafood feast. Adding some lemon wedges and a glass of white wine can make the meal even more enjoyable.

Sandwich

If you want to enjoy sheet pan garlic butter scallops in a different way, you can make a sandwich out of them. Simply place the scallops on a toasted bun with some lettuce and tomato. You can also add some tartar sauce or aioli for extra creamy flavor.

Sheet pan scallops cooked in garlic butter and served in sea shells.

Storage and Leftovers

When it comes to storing and reheating scallops with garlic butter, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your leftovers. Here are some tips to help you store and reheat your scallops:

  • Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them to prevent condensation from forming in the container.
  • To reheat your scallops, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the scallops out on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overcook them.
  • If you have a lot of leftover scallops and you’re not sure if you’ll be able to eat them all within three days, consider freezing them. Place the cooled scallops in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
  • When you’re ready to eat your frozen scallops, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once they’re thawed, you can reheat them using the same methods as above.
  • Keep in mind that reheating scallops can cause them to become tough and rubbery, so it’s best to reheat them gently and avoid overcooking them.
Scallops baked in sea shells with garlic butter and lemon slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook scallops: searing or baking?

Both of these options are excellent. Pan-seared scallops in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet form a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It only takes 1-2 minutes at high temperatures for the crust to form. You can also make a simple pan sauce with garlic and butter.

Should I buy fresh or frozen scallops?

Fresh scallops are the best choice if you can find them. They have a sweeter flavor and a firmer texture compared to frozen scallops. However, if fresh scallops are not available, frozen scallops are a good alternative. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Do I need to marinate scallops before cooking?

Scallops do not require marination before cooking. In fact, marinating scallops for too long can make them tough and rubbery. A simple seasoning with salt and pepper or a quick toss in garlic butter is enough to enhance their natural flavor.

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Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops
5 from 1 vote

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops

by Silvia Dunnirvine
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops with fresh garlic and melted butter over lemon slices. They're great for a quick 30-minute weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner and will certainly impress your guests with their beautiful presentation and mouthwatering rich flavors.
Prep: 8 minutes
Cook: 28 minutes
Total: 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 lb scallops
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted, melted
  • 4 garlic cloves minced or pressed
  • 2 lemon sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh cilantro garnish

Instructions 

  • In a small glass bowl add oil, butter, garlic, chili pepper flakes, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
  • Arrange the scallops in a sheet pan. Pour the garlic butter oil over the scallops, mix with your hands to combine. Add in lemon slices.
  • Bake at 400F degrees for 23-25 minutes. If you want the scallops to have a touch of golden brown, broil for an additional 2 minutes (optional). Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Keyword: garlic butter scallops, scallops butter garlic, scallops with garlic butter
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: American
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garlic butter scallops cooked in a sheet pan with lemon slices.

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Hi! I’m Silvia.

My goal is to make cooking simple and enjoyable.

Garden in the Kitchen is full of easy and balanced recipes for busy families. Classics get a healthier twist with additions of veggies or alternative ingredients.

I hope my recipes will inspire you to cook more home meals and above all have fun in the kitchen!

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6 Comments

  1. Made the Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Scallops for dinner last evening. Also made it with asparagus, radishes and added sautéed radish greens crisped up on top of asparagus with thinly sliced raw radishes. What a great meal…great for company!!!!

    1. Agreed! It’s a great meal for when you have company. I am so glad you liked it and added your own touch to it. Thanks for sharing Blaire 🙂