Scallop Gratins with Lemon-Garlic Butter Recipe
Overview:
Scallop Gratins with Lemon-Garlic Butter is a delightful dish that perfectly balances simplicity and flavor. This recipe, adapted from Epicurious, promises a culinary journey filled with the freshness of sea scallops, the zing of lemon, and the richness of garlic-infused butter. It’s a quick and easy meal, ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.
Time Management:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 1/2 lemons
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Butter:
- In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of chopped parsley, unsalted butter, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and grated lemon zest until well blended.
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Season the Butter:
- Season the butter mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. This seasoned butter can be prepared up to one day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it, ensuring to bring it back to room temperature before use.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done with the preparations.
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Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add the fresh breadcrumbs and sauté them until they turn crisp and golden brown, which should take about 6 minutes.
- Once done, transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and set aside.
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Prepare the Ramekins:
- Rub a generous amount of the seasoned butter on the bottom and sides of four 1 1/4-cup ramekins or custard cups.
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Assemble the Gratins:
- Divide the sea scallops evenly among the prepared ramekins.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of the remaining seasoned butter on top of the scallops in each ramekin.
- Sprinkle the sautéed breadcrumbs over the scallops, dividing them equally among the ramekins.
- Dot the breadcrumbs with the remaining seasoned butter to ensure a rich and flavorful gratin.
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Bake the Gratins:
- Place the assembled scallop gratins on a large baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake them in the preheated oven until the scallops are cooked through and opaque, approximately 20 minutes.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Once done, sprinkle the scallop gratins with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve these delectable scallop gratins immediately, allowing your guests to savor the enticing flavors and aromas.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 439.5
- Fat: 17.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 79.2mg
- Sodium: 575.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 34.5g
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, use fresh bread crumbs instead of packaged ones.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, creating a satisfying meal experience.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the seafood flavors.
Conclusion:
Scallop Gratins with Lemon-Garlic Butter is a culinary masterpiece that elevates the humble scallop to new heights. With its tantalizing blend of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and rich garlic butter, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or served as an elegant entrée at your next dinner party, these gratins are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the flavors of summer! 🍋🌿
