Savory Seafood Delight: Ina Garten’s Scallop Gratin Recipe

Seafood lovers rejoice as this Ina Garten scallop gratin recipe promises a culinary adventure that melts in your mouth.

Delicate scallops nestle beneath a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that adds irresistible texture and depth.

The dish brings together classic French techniques with simple, elegant ingredients that sing on the plate.

Rich butter and herbs dance around tender sea scallops, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight even the most discerning palate.

Each bite delivers a luxurious experience that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Perfectly browned and bubbling with aromatic goodness, this gratin turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy celebration.

Get ready to impress and indulge in a seafood masterpiece that promises to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 4

Gather These Items for Ina Garten’s Scallop Gratin

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet ocean delights that melt in your mouth; look for plump, creamy white scallops without dark spots or strong fishy smell.
• Prosciutto: Adds a silky, salty Italian touch; choose thin, translucent slices for delicate flavor distribution.

• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic duo that builds robust depth; select firm, unblemished bulbs with no green sprouts.
• Parsley: Bright, herbaceous freshness that lifts the entire dish; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Lemon: Zesty citrus that cuts through richness; pick heavy, firm fruits with smooth, shiny skin.
• Pernod: Elegant French anise liqueur that brings sophisticated undertones; optional but transformative.

• Butter: Creamy foundation that creates luxurious texture; use high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that helps create emulsified sauce; select extra virgin for superior flavor.
• Panko: Light, crispy Japanese breadcrumbs that provide delightful crunch; ensures golden, textured topping.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all flavors; use freshly ground black pepper.
• White Wine: Adds subtle acidic complexity; choose a dry, crisp variety like Sauvignon Blanc.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Gratin Recipe

• Electric Mixer: Essential for blending butter and creating smooth topping with consistent texture.
• Paddle Attachment: Connects to electric mixer, perfect for mixing ingredients evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to accommodate ingredients for topping preparation.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps fold panko into mixture and scrape sides of bowl clean.
• Six 6-inch Round Gratin Dishes: Specific ceramic dishes for individual servings.
• Baking Pan: Holds gratin dishes during cooking process.
• Paper Towels: Used for drying scallops before cooking.
• Spoon: Helps distribute garlic butter evenly over scallops.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing scallops lengthwise.

Cooking Instructions for Scallop Gratin by Ina Garten

Scallop Culinary Adventure

• Kitchen Preparation Warm your oven to a sizzling 425 degrees and arrange six charming gratin dishes on a sturdy baking pan.
• Flavor Foundation Blend softened butter in a mixing bowl, creating a rich base for your delectable topping with shallots, fragrant garlic, delicate prosciutto, fresh parsley, zesty lemon juice, and a splash of Pernod.
• Topping Texture Gently incorporate olive oil into the mixture, whisking carefully like crafting a delicate sauce. Fold in crispy panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch.
• Scallop Selection Prepare your succulent scallops by patting them completely dry, ensuring they'll develop a beautiful golden exterior when cooked.
• Flavor Layering Splash a bit of white wine into each gratin dish, then nestle the scallops in their cozy ceramic homes. Generously coat the seafood with your prepared garlic butter mixture.
• Cooking Magic Bake the scallops until they're beautifully golden and the topping turns wonderfully bubbly, approximately 10-12 minutes.
• Final Touch For adventurous cooks, give the dishes a quick broil to create an extra-crispy, caramelized crust that'll make mouths water.
• Serving Celebration Present your masterpiece immediately, accompanied by crusty French bread, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a bright squeeze of lemon for that perfect finishing touch.

Add Cheese or Herbs to Enhance Your Gratin

• Choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops with a creamy white color and firm texture for the best flavor and presentation.
• Thoroughly pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust and preventing steaming.
• Replace Pernod with dry white wine or vermouth if unavailable, maintaining the recipe's delicate flavor profile.
• Experiment with different breadcrumb varieties like panko, seasoned breadcrumbs, or add grated parmesan for extra crunch and richness.
• Swap prosciutto with vegetarian bacon bits or omit for a lighter version, keeping the garlic butter's robust flavor intact.

Ways to Plate Scallop Gratin Beautifully

• Pair with Crispy Bread: Tear chunks of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter and scallop juices, creating a mouthwatering bite every time.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis to complement the delicate scallop flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery scallops and add a refreshing contrast to the warm gratin.
• Garnish with Herb Sparkle: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped parsley just before serving to bring a bright, green color and add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Keep Leftover Gratin Fresh and Reheat Properly

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover scallop gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to maintain the crispy topping and prevent overcooking the delicate scallops.
• Advance Prep Hack: Prepare the garlic butter topping up to 24 hours before cooking, storing it covered in the refrigerator to intensify the flavors and save time during meal preparation.
• Freezing Wisdom: Avoid freezing this dish, as scallops lose their delicate texture and become rubbery when thawed, compromising the overall quality of the gratin.

Elegant Scallop Gratin Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s elegant scallop gratin melds rich flavors from butter, wine, and herbs into a luxurious seafood dish. Coastal comfort meets gourmet style, drawing diners closer to a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (pounds) fresh bay scallops
• 2 oz (ounces) prosciutto di Parma, minced
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 tbsps good olive oil
• 6 tbsps dry white wine
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium shallots, minced
• 4 tbsps minced fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• 2 tbsps Pernod
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup panko
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in the center, preheat to 425°F. Arrange six gratin dishes on a robust baking sheet for stable cooking.
2. Topping Creation: Utilize electric mixer to cream butter until silky, gradually integrating shallots, garlic, prosciutto, parsley, lemon juice, Pernod, salt, and pepper into a harmonious blend.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly drizzle olive oil while mixing on low speed, transforming the mixture into a velvety emulsion, then gently fold in panko breadcrumbs using a rubber spatula.
4. Scallop Preparation: Meticulously clean scallops, removing tough membranes, and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Distribute evenly across gratin dishes, creating a single layer.
5. Liquid Foundation: Delicately pour white wine into the base of each dish, providing a subtle flavor and moisture-rich environment.
6. Topping Application: Lavishly spoon the prepared garlic butter mixture over scallops, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Cooking Process: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbling, then activate broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized crust.
8. Serving Finale: Immediately present the gratin, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a vibrant lemon juice splash, accompanied by crusty French bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of achieving a perfect golden-brown crust, so pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before cooking.
• Remove Membrane Carefully: Slice off the tough side membrane of each scallop to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and even cooking.
• Watch Broiling Closely: The final broiling step can quickly turn from perfectly crisp to burnt, so keep a close eye and remove dishes within 1-2 minutes.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Scallop gratin is best enjoyed straight from the oven when the topping is crispy and the scallops are delicately cooked and warm.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg