Bay Scallop Gratin

I’ve had a craving for scallops, so this is a simple easy make ahead dish you just pop in the oven right before you sit down for dinner. I was a little disappointed mine didn’t look like Ina’s (see pictures below), but the taste was nice. I had to add a little of our 5 spice while we where eating just because I thought it could use a little kick. Hubby said it would make a nice appetizer, so I think I would do it in a more shallow dish next time. I think it’s time I invest in the gratin dishes. I did cut the recipe in half and the 2 of us ate it as our main dish with a side salad.

Here’s Ina’s finished dish: (Photo from www.foodnetwork.com)

Even though mine didn’t look like hers I would still make it again just maybe in a more shallow dish to get the crispy topping.

Bay Scallop Gratin
(Adapted from Barefoot Contessa)

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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 large garlic cloves, minced
2 medium shallots, minced
2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma, minced
4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons Pernod (I used white wine instead)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 cup panko
6 tablespoons dry white wine
2 pound fresh bay scallops
Lemon, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place 6 (6-inch round) gratin dishes on a sheet pan.

To make the topping, place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (you can also use a hand mixer). With the mixer on low speed, add the garlic, shallot, prosciutto, parsley, lemon juice, Pernod, salt, and pepper and mix until combined.

With the mixer still on low, add the olive oil slowly as though making mayonnaise, until combined. Fold the panko in with a rubber spatula and set aside.

Preheat the broiler, if it's separate from your oven.

Place 1 tablespoon of the wine in the bottom of each gratin dish. With a small sharp knife, remove the white muscle and membrane from the side of each scallop and discard. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and distribute them among the 3 dishes.

Spoon the garlic butter evenly over the top of the scallops.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the topping is golden and sizzling and the scallops are barely done. If you want the top crustier, place the dishes under the broiler for 2 minutes, until browned. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty French bread.