Ingredients
- 2 pounds sea scallops (about 4 cups), fresh or thawed if frozen, dry-packed
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as a sauvignon blanc)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
- 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Getting the oven ready ahead of time ensures that when you’re done with the sauce, everything can go straight in to bake.
- Simmer the scallops: Add your scallops to a sauté pan with the white wine and a pinch of salt. Once it comes to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and cover. Give them about 4 minutes. You’re not fully cooking them here—just giving them a head start before baking. When done, use a spatula to transfer the scallops into a baking dish, trying not to leave too much liquid behind in the pan.
- Cook the onions: In the same pan (no need to dirty more dishes, right?), melt 3 tablespoons of butter and toss in your onions. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, but don’t let them brown. I’ve been guilty of overcooking the onions before, and trust me, they can go from golden to burnt in a blink if you’re not watching closely.
- Make the sauce: Once your onions are ready, sprinkle the flour over the top and stir. You’re making a roux here, which will thicken the sauce. Cook it for about a minute, then slowly whisk in the cooking liquid you reserved earlier. This step can be tricky—make sure to whisk constantly so you don’t end up with any lumps. As soon as the sauce thickens, pour it over the scallops in your baking dish.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the scallops and dot the top with the remaining butter. Pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
To serve this baked scallops dish, I love keeping things simple. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish. Pair it with a side of crusty bread (perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce), a simple green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. For something a bit heartier, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work beautifully as sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner