Scallops are one of those foods most people are scared to cook. If you cook them for too long, they turn out tough, and if you cook them too little, they are raw inside. In this post, we teach you how to cook them perfectly. Broiled Bay Scallops are worry-free, and have the best sauce so make sure you have enough bread!
What Do I Need To Make The Best Bay Scallop Recipe?
You will need the following Ingredients:
- bay scallops
- garlic
- butter
- dried parsley
- red pepper flakes
- Juice of one lemon
What Is The Best Way To Cook Bay Scallops?
I have found that broiling is the best way not to over or under cook bay scallops. Follow these instructions for perfectly cooked bay scallops:
- Rinse the bay scallops with water, drain them, and pat them dry.
- In a microwave safe dish, melt the butter along with the minced garlic, dry parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Place the dry scallops in a baking dish. Do not overlap them, they must be in one layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter mixture over them.
- Place in the oven and broil for about 5-8 minutes depending on your oven. They are ready when they are slightly brown on top.
- Serve with toasted crusty bread and lemon wedges.
How Are Bay Scallops Different From Sea Scallops?
Bay scallops are smaller than sea scallops and sweeter. They are found in less deep waters. Sea scallops are found in deeper waters and are 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Bay scallops are about ½ inch in diameter. Since sea scallops live in deeper waters, they have a slightly saltier taste and chewy texture. Bay scallops are small, tender, and sweet.
Other Seafood Recipes For You:
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat
- Louisiana Cajun Shrimp
- Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Easy Shrimp Burrito Shrimp Recipe
- Shrimp Alfredo Bake Recipe

Broiled Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb bay scallops
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp dry parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the bay scallops with water, drain them, and pat them dry.
- In a microwave safe dish, melt the butter along with the minced garlic, dry parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Place the dry scallops in a baking dish. Do not overlap them, they must be in one layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter mixture over them.
- Place in the oven and broil for about 5-8 minutes depending on your oven. They are ready when they are slightly brown on top.
- Serve with toasted crusty bread and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Dry the scallops as much as you can. We want them broiled, not boiled.
- Mince the garlic as finely as possible. Bay scallops are small and you don’t want a large chunk of garlic in them.
- Broil them just until slightly brown on top or they will over cook.