Decadent Scallop Cheese Gratin at Home
A Taste of the Sea! Foolproof Scallop Cheese Gratin Recipe
Introducing a hearty scallop cheese gratin that you can enjoy at home or even while camping! Made with fresh, plump scallops in season, this dish offers a fantastic combination of savory butter, a medley of fresh vegetables, and gloriously melted mozzarella cheese. With just an oven or an air fryer, you can effortlessly create a restaurant-quality dish. Perfect for special occasions or when entertaining guests, this recipe promises both exquisite flavor and beautiful presentation!
Key Ingredients- 2 scallops (pen shells)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/3 onion
- 1/4 bell pepper (any color)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sweet corn kernels
- Generous amount of mozzarella cheese (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh scallops. Place them with the rounded shell side up. Carefully insert a knife into the gap between the pointed shells and gently pry them open.
Step 2
Using the knife, carefully separate the scallop meat (adductor muscle, etc.) from the shell. Be mindful not to break the shell as you detach the meat.
Step 3
Thoroughly clean the separated scallop meat. Remove the dark digestive tract, the ‘beak’ (a hard, sharp part), and any membrane attached to the inside of the shell. It’s important to remove the digestive tract as it can impart a bitter taste.
Step 4
Cut the cleaned scallop meat into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). Rinse the separated scallop shells thoroughly under running water. These shells will serve as your serving dishes.
Step 5
Finely mince the washed onion, bell pepper, and Korean chili pepper (if using). Finely dicing the vegetables will help them integrate well with the scallop meat.
Step 6
Arrange the chopped scallop meat attractively in the cleaned scallop shells. Spread softened butter (or room temperature butter) evenly over the scallop meat to enhance its flavor.
Step 7
Sprinkle the minced onion and bell pepper over the buttered scallops. This adds color and freshness to the dish.
Step 8
Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the ingredients, followed by about 2 tablespoons of sweet corn kernels. The sweetness of the corn complements the other flavors.
Step 9
Drizzle 4 tablespoons of the cho-gochujang and 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over the scallops. This spicy and sweet sauce combination will elevate the natural flavor of the scallops.
Step 10
Finally, generously top the scallops with mozzarella cheese. As the cheese melts, it will bind all the ingredients together, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Step 11
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared scallop cheese gratins inside and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the scallops are cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on your appliance.
Step 12
Carefully remove the gratins from the oven/air fryer. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and dried parsley for an extra touch of aroma and color. Your delicious scallop cheese gratin is ready to be enjoyed hot!
