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Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter

Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter

Scallops Gratin with Garlic Parsley Butter is a luxurious seafood dish featuring tender scallops baked in a rich, creamy garlic parsley butter sauce and topped with a crispy golden gratin crust. Perfect for special occasions or elegant weeknight dinners, this recipe combines fresh scallops with buttery, herbed flavor and a crunchy parmesan breadcrumb topping to create a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare and impressively delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • Fresh dry-packed scallops (quantity as per serving size)

Garlic Parsley Butter Sauce

  • Unsalted butter, melted
  • 23 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Gratin Sauce

  • Heavy cream, a splash
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative such as crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Seasonings and Others

  • Lemon juice, a splash
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Parsley Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until the garlic softens but does not brown, allowing the butter to absorb the fresh flavors.
  2. Clean and Dry the Scallops: Rinse the fresh scallops under cold water, then thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture ensures a better sear and prevents sogginess during baking.
  3. Assemble the Gratin: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in a baking dish. Spoon the garlic parsley butter evenly over each scallop to coat them well. Pour a small amount of heavy cream over the scallops to enrich the gratin base.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese with bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative) and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the scallops to form the gratin crust.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the gratin topping is golden brown, crisp, and the sauce is bubbling.

Notes

  • Use dry scallops to avoid excess moisture and achieve better texture.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent the scallops from becoming rubbery.
  • Freshly chopped parsley significantly enhances the flavor compared to dried herbs.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for superior melt and taste.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the gratin to firm slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops gratin, garlic parsley butter, seafood gratin, baked scallops, creamy scallops, elegant seafood dish, gluten-free scallops recipe