Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Easy Oven Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Gently rinse and thoroughly pat the scallops bone-dry using paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish, ensuring there is a small space between each one.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using wine or stock, stir it in until everything is evenly incorporated into a fragrant paste.
4. Spoon or brush an even layer of the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each scallop, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The scallops are done when they are opaque throughout and just beginning to firm up.
6. Remove from the oven. Drizzle any remaining buttery pan juices over the scallops before serving immediately. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.