Legal Seafood Baked Scallops

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of tender scallops, buttery Ritz crackers, and fresh thyme creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe for Legal Seafood Baked Scallops is inspired by the famous seafood restaurant chain, Legal Sea Foods, which is known for its fresh and high-quality seafood dishes. Baked scallops have been a popular menu item at Legal Sea Foods for many years, and this recipe captures the essence of their delicious flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) sea scallops
salt and pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, minced
0.5 cup buttermilk
2 cups hand crushed ritz crackers
0.5 cup melted butter
1 small lemon, halved

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place scallops in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, add thyme and buttermilk, and toss to coat.
Evenly distribute scallops in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, sprinkle with cracker crumbs, and top with melted butter.
Bake for 20 minutes, then squeeze lemon over scallops and serve immediately.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
Mix in some chopped garlic or shallots for a savory twist.
Substitute crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh scallops for the best flavor and texture.

- Crushing the Ritz crackers by hand adds a rustic and crunchy texture to the dish.

- Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the scallops before serving adds a bright and citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They pair well with a glass of white wine or a light and refreshing beer.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the scallops in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their tender texture. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. You can also use crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs in place of the Ritz crackers.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the scallops up to the point of baking them in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead dish for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Legal Seafood Baked Scallops in individual ramekins or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops pair well with a crisp and acidic white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. They also go well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a pilsner or wheat beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Legal Seafood Baked Scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Legal Seafood Baked Scallops contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Legal Seafood Baked Scallops contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Legal Seafood Baked Scallops contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Legal Seafood Baked Scallops contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops are a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops contain shellfish, dairy, and gluten from the Ritz crackers.

Summary

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops are a nutritious and delicious seafood dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with shellfish, dairy, or gluten allergies.

Summary

Legal Seafood Baked Scallops are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy Ritz cracker topping and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, these scallops are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Legal Seafood Baked Scallops. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in Boston. Sarah was a fantastic cook and loved to experiment with new recipes. She invited me over for a dinner party, and I was eager to sample her latest creations.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted with the most incredible aroma. Sarah was in the kitchen, bustling about and stirring pots on the stove. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a glass of wine and ushered me into the dining room.

The table was set with an array of delicious dishes, but one in particular caught my eye – a steaming dish of golden-brown scallops nestled in a creamy sauce. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to seafood heaven. The scallops were tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the rich sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping.

I couldn't help but ask Sarah for the recipe. She laughed and told me that it was a closely guarded secret from Legal Seafood, a famous restaurant in Boston known for their fresh seafood dishes. She had managed to recreate the recipe at home and was happy to share it with me.

Over the course of the evening, Sarah walked me through the steps of making Legal Seafood Baked Scallops. It was a labor of love, requiring precise timing and attention to detail. But as I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating Sarah's recipe. I gathered all the ingredients – fresh scallops, heavy cream, butter, breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I followed her instructions to the letter, carefully searing the scallops in a hot pan before smothering them in the creamy sauce and topping them with a generous layer of breadcrumbs.

As the scallops baked in the oven, the aroma filled my kitchen, just like it had at Sarah's house. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. When I finally took my first bite, I was transported back to that magical evening in Boston. The scallops were just as tender and flavorful as I remembered, and the sauce was velvety smooth with a hint of garlic and white wine.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe, one that would become a staple in my repertoire for years to come. I made Legal Seafood Baked Scallops for my family and friends, and they couldn't get enough of it. They marveled at how I had managed to recreate the flavors of a fine dining restaurant in my own kitchen.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills and perfect my recipe for Legal Seafood Baked Scallops. I added my own twist here and there, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make the dish truly my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought back fond memories of that fateful evening with Sarah in Boston.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making Legal Seafood Baked Scallops as much as I have. May it bring you joy and satisfaction, just as it has for me over the years. And remember, the secret to any great dish lies not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care you put into making it. Happy cooking!