If you’re craving seafood but want something fuss-free and fast, this Lemon Butter Broiled Bay Scallops recipe is a must. Sweet, tender scallops broiled in a rich garlic-lemon butter—what’s not to love? It’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, all ready in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just 4 ingredients and less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Restaurant Flavor at Home: Buttery, citrusy, and perfectly tender scallops without any fancy equipment.
- Healthy & Versatile: Low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Serve with salads, roasted veggies, or over pasta.
- Beginner-Friendly: No searing, no splatter—just a broiler and a baking dish.
What Are Bay Scallops?
Bay scallops are the smaller, sweeter cousins of sea scallops. Typically about ½ inch wide and averaging 100 per pound, they cook very quickly and are ideal for quick broiling. They’re less expensive than sea scallops, but still bring that briny, buttery flavor of the sea to your plate. Available fresh in winter or flash-frozen year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bay Scallops (1 lb): Fresh or thawed frozen scallops, patted dry. Remove the side muscle if still attached.
- Garlic (1–2 cloves): Fresh minced garlic for depth of flavor.
- Butter (2–3 tbsp): Melted, salted or unsalted depending on your preference. Adds richness and keeps scallops tender.
- Lemon (1): Juice and zest for bright, citrusy balance.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, for garnish and a pop of color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season.
How to Make Lemon Butter Broiled Bay Scallops
Step 1: Prep the Broiler
Preheat your oven to broil and position a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
Step 2: Build the Butter Sauce
In a baking dish large enough to hold the scallops in a single layer, stir together the melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Add the Scallops
Rinse scallops and pat them dry. Place in the baking dish in a single layer, gently tossing to coat them with the lemon butter.
Step 4: Broil
Place the dish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, just until the scallops turn opaque. Watch them closely—overcooking will make them rubbery.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley, a few lemon wedges, and an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately—scallops cool quickly!
Optional Variations
- Spiced Up: Toss scallops in blackening seasoning or Old Bay before broiling.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated parmesan just before serving.
- Pasta Night: Toss broiled scallops and lemon butter over angel hair or linguine.
- Crunchy Top: Add a light sprinkle of panko before broiling for a golden finish.
- Bacon Lovers: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these broiled scallops with any of the following to complete your meal:
- Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
- Lemon Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Gnocchi
FAQs
Do I rinse bay scallops before cooking?
Yes, give them a gentle rinse and dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I use sea scallops instead?
You can, but sea scallops are larger and will require more time under the broiler. Halve or quarter them for a quicker cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave—avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze cooked scallops?
Not recommended. They tend to get rubbery after thawing. Stick to freezing raw scallops and cook fresh.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Butter Broiled Bay Scallops are the kind of recipe that makes seafood at home feel doable and delicious. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and quick clean-up too. Whether you’re making them for your family or dinner guests, they’re sure to impress—just don’t expect leftovers.
Bay Scallops Recipe with Lemon Butter
If you’re craving seafood but want something fuss-free and fast, this Lemon Butter Broiled Bay Scallops recipe is a must.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bay scallops
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 and a half tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil- In a medium baking dish, combine the melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Stir everything together.
- Add the bay scallops to the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Place the dish about six inches below the broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the scallops turn opaque.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
- Storage and Leftovers- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While best enjoyed fresh, they also work well for quick lunches or as a protein add-on to salads and grain bowls.
- Freezing- Freezing cooked bay scallops is not recommended, as they tend to become rubbery after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 58mgSodium 865mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 24g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
