Description
This Indulgent Seafood Gratin is a luxurious yet effortlessly elegant dish combining succulent shrimp and scallops baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with aromatic onions, garlic, and a splash of white grape juice. It’s perfect for a refined dinner that impresses without complicated steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound Shrimp (fresh, peeled, and deveined; frozen works if thawed)
- 1 pound Scallops (fresh or thawed; chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Butter (essential for sautéing)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped to build flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (can substitute with plant-based cream)
- 1/2 cup White grape juice (can swap with white wine)
- 1 cup Grated cheese (choose Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: Start by rinsing the shrimp and scallops under cold water and pat them dry. Chop the scallops into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easier serving.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic.
- Add seafood to skillet: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Sauté them gently until they just start to turn opaque, about 3-4 minutes, taking care not to overcook.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the white grape juice, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble gratin: Transfer the seafood and creamy sauce mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top to create a rich, melted crust.
- Bake the gratin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set slightly and enhance flavors. Enjoy as a decadent main course or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute the white grape juice with dry white wine for a more traditional flavor.
- Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese to make this dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- Do not overcook seafood during sautéing as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Gruyère cheese provides a nuttier flavor compared to mozzarella or cheddar.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light green salad to balance richness.
- Ensure the scallops are chopped small to allow even cooking and distribution throughout the dish.
