Scallop Gratin

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 servings

Description

In Chef John's recipe for simple scallop gratin, fresh scallops, creme fraiche, and tarragon are the secret ingredients.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons melted butter, or as needed, divided
1/4 cup creme fraiche
1/4 cup white wine
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 pinch kosher salt, or to taste
8 dry-pack sea scallops
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Brush 2 small gratin dishes with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
2 Whisk crème fraîche, white wine, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt together in a bowl until smooth; add scallops and toss to coat. Let sit until flavors begin to meld, about 5 minutes.
3 Divide scallops between prepared gratin dishes; pour remaining crème fraîche sauce over top. Top with tarragon and Parmesan cheese; drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon butter over top.
4 Bake in the preheated oven for 4 minutes. Increase oven setting to broil; continue cooking until scallops golden brown, slightly springy, and opaque, 2 to 4 minutes more.