Ina Garten’s Seafood Gratin is a classic French-inspired baked seafood casserole. It features shrimp, scallops, and sometimes lobster or white fish, all nestled in a luscious white wine cream sauce and topped with cheesy, herbed breadcrumbs. The dish is then baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in a luxurious mix of tender seafood and crispy, savoury topping.
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound sea scallops, tough muscle removed
1/2 pound firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup leeks, white and light green parts, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups seafood stock (or fish/chicken stock)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (melted for topping)
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium-sized gratin dish or baking dish.
Sauté the leeks and garlic – In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add leeks and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Make the sauce – Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and cook for another minute. Add seafood stock and bring to a simmer, then stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add seafood – Fold the shrimp, scallops, and fish into the sauce and cook gently for 2–3 minutes just to begin firming up. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon zest.
Transfer to baking dish – Pour the mixture into the prepared gratin dish and spread evenly.
Prepare the topping – In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the seafood mixture.
Bake until golden – Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and the top is crisp and golden.
Rest before serving – Let it sit for 5 minutes to settle, then serve warm with a wedge of lemon or fresh herbs.
Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/ina-garten-seafood-gratin/