Scallop Gratin Delight is a delectable dish that blends the sweet, tender taste of scallops with the creamy, cheesy goodness of gratin. The addition of fresh tarragon and a squeeze of lemon brings out the scallops' natural flavors while adding a touch of brightness. This dish works wonderfully as a main course or a rich side dish.
One ingredient that you might not regularly have in your pantry is fresh tarragon. This herb has a unique, slightly anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood. When shopping, look for fresh tarragon in the produce section, often near the other packaged fresh herbs. If you're unable to find it, dried tarragon can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients for Scallop Gratin Delight
Sea scallops: These are the star of the dish, offering a sweet, delicate flavor and a luxuriously tender texture.
Cream cheese: This adds a rich, creamy base to the gratin sauce.
White wine: Enhances the flavor of the scallops and adds a subtle tanginess to the dish.
Lemon: Its juice and zest add brightness and balance to the rich, creamy gratin sauce.
Kosher salt: For seasoning; it enhances the natural flavors of the scallops.
Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth to the overall flavor.
Fresh tarragon: Gives the dish a unique, slightly anise-like flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty note to the gratin topping.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, but it adds a surprising hint of heat.
One reader, Lavena Hinojosa says:
This scallop gratin delight recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and the burst of flavors from the tarragon and parmesan cheese make it an absolute delight. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a special dinner. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and impressive meal!
Techniques Required for Making Scallop Gratin Delight Recipe
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before starting the recipe to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking.
How to whisk together the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, tarragon, parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well blended to create the flavorful sauce for the scallops.
How to pour the sauce onto the scallops: After whisking the sauce, pour it over the scallops in the baking dish, ensuring that the scallops are evenly coated with the mixture.
How to let the scallops sit before baking: Allow the scallops to sit in the sauce for five minutes before placing them in the preheated oven. This allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the scallops.
How to bake the scallops: Place the baking dish with the scallops and sauce in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes until the scallops are cooked through.
How to broil the scallops: After baking, turn on the broiler and cook the scallops for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tops are golden brown, adding a delightful finish to the dish.
How To Make Scallop Gratin
Dig in to this creamy and cheesy scallop gratin in white wine sauce infused with lemon and fresh tarragon. It’s done in 20 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbssea scallops,u-13 size
- ¼cupcream cheese,softened
- ¼cupwhite wine
- 1lemon,juiced and zested
- ¼tspkosher salt
- ⅛tspground black pepper,coarse
- 1tbspfresh tarragon,chopped
- ¼cupParmesan cheese,shaved
- 1pinchcayenne pepper,optional, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Add the scallops to a baking dish.
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In a large bowl whisk together the cream cheese, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, tarragon, Parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Pour the sauce onto the scallops and let them sit for five minutes before putting it into the oven.
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Bake for 5 minutes, then turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 221.76kcal
- Fat: 8.29g
- Saturated Fat: 4.56g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.52g
- Carbohydrates: 8.41g
- Fiber: 0.48g
- Sugar: 1.05g
- Protein: 25.02g
- Cholesterol: 63.09mg
- Sodium: 849.03mg
- Calcium: 147.03mg
- Potassium: 428.09mg
- Iron: 1.12mg
- Vitamin A: 76.06µg
- Vitamin C: 8.02mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Scallop Gratin Delight Recipe
When preparing your sea scallops, ensure they are thoroughly dried before adding them to the baking dish. This will help the cream cheese and white wine sauce adhere better to the scallops, enhancing their flavor. Additionally, when broiling, keep a close eye on the scallops to prevent them from burning. The goal is to achieve a golden brown top without overcooking the scallops, which can make them tough and chewy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Scallop Gratin Delight
Prep ahead: Prepare the sauce and clean the scallops in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the cream cheese, wine, and seasonings for the sauce.
Broil for quick browning: Utilize the broiler function to quickly brown the gratin topping, saving time compared to traditional baking.
Substitute Ingredients For Scallop Gratin Recipe
sea scallops - Substitute with large shrimp: Shrimp can provide a similar texture and flavor to scallops in this recipe, and they will also pair well with the creamy and tangy elements of the dish.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, adding richness to the dish while complementing the other ingredients.
white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish, similar to white wine, without the alcohol content.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess that lemon juice offers, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor profile.
fresh tarragon - Substitute with fresh dill: Fresh dill can provide a similar herbaceous and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the seafood and creamy components of the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese can offer a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor, adding richness and depth to the gratin.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a mild heat and smokiness, similar to cayenne pepper, without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Scallop Gratin Delight
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking various dishes such as casseroles, gratins, and desserts.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, typically in a bowl.
- Large bowl: A container used for mixing and combining ingredients, especially when preparing larger quantities of food.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Broiler: A part of an oven used for cooking food by exposing it to direct radiant heat.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating foods such as cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and cooking foods in the oven.
- Measuring cup: A kitchen tool used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: A set of spoons used for measuring small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients during food preparation.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating foods such as cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking various dishes such as casseroles, gratins, and desserts.
Storing and Freezing Scallop Gratin Delight
- To store leftover scallop gratin, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top, if desired.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the scallop gratin. Portion the cooled gratin into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen scallop gratin, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, follow the reheating instructions above, increasing the baking time as needed to ensure it's heated through.
- Note: The texture of the scallops may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit more firm or chewy. However, the delicious flavor of the dish will still be preserved.
How To Reheat Leftover Scallop Gratin Delight
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scallop gratin in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftover scallop gratin in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the scallops to become rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, this can be a great option for reheating smaller portions. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover scallop gratin on a toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover scallop gratin in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to help keep the dish moist. Cover the skillet and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover scallop gratin, try placing it on top of a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. The heat from the dish will gently wilt the greens, creating a delicious and refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy scallop gratin.
Interesting Fact About Scallop Gratin Delight
Scallops are a great source of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and supporting muscle and nerve function.
Is Making Scallop Gratin Delight at Home Cost-Effective?
This scallop gratin delight recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The key is to source the sea scallops and fresh tarragon from local markets or seafood stores. While sea scallops can be pricier, the combination of cream cheese, white wine, and parmesan creates a luxurious flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$40, depending on the availability and quality of the ingredients. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8 out of 10, considering the delightful flavors and the potential to impress guests with this elegant dish.
Is Scallop Gratin Delight Healthy or Unhealthy?
The scallop gratin delight recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Cream cheese and parmesan cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- White wine, while adding flavor, also contributes to the overall calorie count.
- The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could balance out the richness of the cheese and scallops.
However, scallops themselves are a healthy protein source, as they are low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt or light cream cheese.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. These additions will increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the meal.
- Use a smaller amount of white wine, or replace it with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth for flavor without the added calories.
- Serve the scallop gratin alongside a fresh, colorful salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion on the Scallop Gratin Delight Recipe
The scallop gratin delight recipe is a delightful combination of succulent sea scallops, creamy cheese, and aromatic tarragon, elevated by a hint of white wine and zesty lemon. The dish is beautifully balanced, with the richness of the cream cheese and parmesan complementing the delicate sweetness of the scallops. The touch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This recipe is a true delight for seafood lovers and is perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner at home.
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Why trust this Scallop Gratin Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh sea scallops and a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, white wine, and zesty lemon. The addition of aromatic tarragon and a hint of cayenne pepper adds depth to the dish. The use of high-quality parmesan cheese further enhances the gratin, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. With careful attention to detail and a balance of complementary ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a decadent and impressive scallop gratin that will surely impress your guests.
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