- Scallop Oysters: Freshly shucked or canned (for convenience)
- Bread Crumbs: Optional, to create a crispy top layer
- Milk: Full-fat for richness
- Heavy Cream: Adds thickness and creaminess
- Onion: Finely chopped, adds depth of flavor
- Butter: For enhanced taste and texture
- Garlic Powder: A mild, versatile flavor enhancer (optional)
- Salt: To season the dish appropriately
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for a burst of flavor
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, grated for a melty topping
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, adds a nutty and savory taste
- Cornstarch or All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the sauce (optional)
- Bay Leaf: To infuse the milk with subtle flavor (remove before serving)
Incorporating these keywords will help optimize your recipe for search engines:
- Scallop Oysters
- Freshly shucked oysters
- Bread crumbs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Onion
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cornstarch
- All-purpose flour
- Bay leaf
Steps
### Chef John's Scallop Oysters Recipe: A Delightful Seafood Delicacy
#### Introduction:
Chef John's scallop oysters are a classic dish that combines tender, succulent scallops with creamy, flavorful béchamel sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is sure to impress at any dinner party or family gathering.
#### Ingredients:
- 12 large scallops (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced shallots or scallions
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
#### Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
#### Detailed Steps:
##### Step 1: Preparation
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Scallops:** Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
##### Step 2: Making the Béchamel Sauce
1. **Melt Butter in a Saucepan:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add Flour for Roux:** Stir in the flour, whisking continuously until smooth to form a roux (a mixture of equal parts fat and flour).
3. **Gradually Add Milk:** Slowly pour in the milk while constantly stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Thicken the Sauce:** Continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. **Add Cheese and Seasonings:** Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and paprika. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese.
##### Step 3: Baking
1. **Sauté Shallots (Optional):** In a large skillet, sauté the sliced shallots or scallions in olive oil until soft and translucent.
2. **Layering:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the sautéed shallots at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. **Arrange Scallops:** Arrange the scallops over the sautéed vegetables, overlapping them slightly.
4. **Pour Sauce:** Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the scallops.
5. **Bake and Top with Cheese (Optional):** Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
##### Step 4: Serving
1. **Let Cool:** Let the scallop oysters cool slightly before serving.
2. **Serve Hot:** Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.
#### Tips:
- For best results, use fresh scallops. If using frozen, thaw them completely but avoid overcooking.
- Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese based on your preference for a creamier or richer flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time, refrigerated, and reheated in the oven before serving.
#### Conclusion:
Chef John's scallop oysters are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Perfect for entertaining guests, these creamy and savory scallops will surely become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy cooking!
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