Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk with minced fresh thyme and lemon juice. Stir well.
Place the seasoned scallops in a large baking dish. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the scallops and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well coated.
Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the marinated scallops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh thyme or lemon zest.
