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Golden broiled capesante gratinate in scallop shells with garlic breadcrumb topping and lemon wedges on a wooden board

Capesante Gratinate: Garlic Breadcrumb Scallops

Sea scallops broiled under a golden garlic breadcrumb and parmesan crust, ready in about 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 215
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Scallops
  • 12 large sea scallops (about 500 g); dry-packed, side muscle removed
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • black pepper to taste
Breadcrumb topping
  • 80 g fresh breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 garlic cloves minced fine
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 30 g parmesan grated
  • 1 tsp lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 20 g butter melted, for dotting
  • 4 lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Prep the scallops
  1. Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels and remove the small side muscle from each one.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper and arrange 3 scallops in each shell or ramekin.
  3. Drizzle 1/2 tbsp of white wine over the scallops in each dish.
Make the breadcrumb topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, parmesan, and lemon zest.
  2. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss with a fork until the mixture looks evenly damp, not wet.
Gratin and serve
  1. Heat the broiler to high and position a rack 4 to 5 inches from the heat.
  2. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each scallop, pressing lightly so it holds together, then dot with melted butter.
  3. Broil for 7 to 10 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden and the scallops are opaque and firm, about 145 F / 63 C internal.
  4. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Remove the coral or roe if you prefer a milder flavor, it's optional to leave on.
  • Don't overcrowd the shells or dish, it gives uneven browning.
  • Broiler intensity varies a lot between ovens, watch closely after 6 minutes.
  • Use real scallop shells if you have them for presentation, ramekins work fine too.