Scallop Gratin

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

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 354 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Brush 2 small gratin dishes with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.