Scallop & Cheese Gratin
Recommended as a Perfect Drink Accompaniment: Gratinéed Scallops with Cheese
Experience the delightful combination of tender scallops and savory melted cheese in this ‘Gratinéed Scallops with Cheese’ recipe. It’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a simple, yet sophisticated, snack to enjoy with your favorite beverages. The interplay of pungent minced garlic, spicy chopped chili, and the sweet and tangy chili sauce elevates the natural sweetness of the scallops. Pan-seared to perfection in butter and topped with a generous layer of gooey, melted mozzarella, this dish offers a rich flavor profile and a wonderfully chewy yet tender texture that will surely impress. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, anyone can create this culinary delight. Try it today!
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Scallops (about 10-12 pieces)
- Mozzarella Cheese (generous amount, to taste)
- Butter (1 piece, approx. 10g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the fresh scallops. Carefully remove any tough sinew or blood from the scallops and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step ensures a cleaner flavor and more pleasant texture when cooked. Have a generous amount of mozzarella cheese ready for a truly indulgent experience. Also, pre-chop the garlic and chili; they are excellent companions to seafood and will speed up your cooking process.
Step 2
Melt 1 piece of butter in a preheated pan over low heat. Be careful not to let the butter burn, and swirl it around to coat the entire surface of the pan. The butter will infuse the scallops with a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 3
Once the butter is melted, carefully place the prepared scallops in the pan, one by one. Ensure there’s enough butter to prevent sticking, and maintain a medium-low heat to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside tender. Sear each side of the scallops for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to very low. Mix 1-2 Tbsp of chili sauce with 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and spread this mixture evenly over each scallop. Cook for a moment, allowing the sweet and spicy glaze to coat the scallops without burning the garlic.
Step 5
Sprinkle the chopped chili over the scallops according to your preference. If you enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to add a little extra. The chili adds a nice kick and balances the richness of the dish.
Step 6
Finally, generously top each scallop with mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can transfer the pan to a preheated oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and melted. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the wonderfully gooey, cheesy pull!
