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Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter

Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter
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Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter is an elegant yet effortless seafood dish featuring tender scallops baked in a rich garlic parsley butter sauce and topped with a golden, crispy gratin crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe perfectly balances fresh seafood flavors with aromatic herbs and buttery richness, making it an impressive choice for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 fresh dry-packed scallops
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Gruyère/Pecorino Romano as variation)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly to ensure they brown nicely when baked. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Make the Garlic Parsley Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to create a vibrant, aromatic butter sauce.
  3. Assemble the Gratin: Arrange the scallops evenly in a baking dish. Drizzle the garlic parsley butter sauce over them. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the scallops to form a golden, crispy topping.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the assembled dish for 12-15 minutes until the gratin topping is golden and bubbly and the scallops are cooked through but still tender. Avoid overcooking to keep scallops juicy and delicate.

Notes

  • Use dry-packed scallops to avoid excess moisture and ensure a better texture.
  • Pat scallops dry before seasoning to prevent sogginess and promote proper browning.
  • Fresh parsley adds brighter flavor and color compared to dried herbs.
  • Keep baking time to 12-15 minutes; overcooked scallops become rubbery.
  • For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into the topping.
  • Substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Gruyère or Pecorino Romano for flavor variation.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a gluten-free version.
  • This recipe can be adapted with additional seafood such as shrimp or crab meat.
  • Make garlic parsley butter up to one day in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, gratin, garlic parsley butter, seafood, easy dinner, appetizer, baked scallops, gluten-free, elegant recipe, party dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/scallops-gratin-with-garlic-parsley-butter/