Sauterne Scallop Bake
A delightful seafood bake featuring tender scallops and fresh mushrooms in a savory Sauterne wine sauce topped with Swiss cheese. This elegant dish offers rich flavors with a hint of wine, perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests who appreciate sophisticated yet simple seafood recipes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Sauterne or other dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon instant minced onion or 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh scallops ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, Sauterne or dry white wine, salt or garlic salt, instant minced onion or minced garlic, and pepper in a medium saucepan; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in scallops and sliced fresh mushrooms; cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove scallops and mushrooms from the saucepan, reserving the liquid in the pan; set scallops and mushrooms aside.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup.
- In a separate saucepan, melt margarine and stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add skim milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add 1/8 teaspoon pepper and shredded Swiss cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
- Combine the scallops and mushrooms with the cheese sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spray with vegetable cooking spray, and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using shallots instead of instant minced onion or garlic. You can substitute the scallops with shrimp for a different twist; this dish also pairs beautifully with Big John'S Steamed Shrimp. Ensure to keep the cooking time short to prevent the scallops from becoming rubbery. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the dish's flavor if added before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Sauterne Scallop Bake is delightful served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It complements well with light white wines, echoing the Sauterne used in cooking. For more seafood inspiration, browse more Seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the scallops and change their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauterne Scallop Bake contains roughly 319 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture and prevents extra liquid from affecting the dish.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyère or mozzarella for a similar meltiness. Cheddar can also work, but it will give a stronger flavor. Adjust the seasoning to balance any additional sharpness from the cheese.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Sauterne Scallop Bake gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like the margarine and cooking spray, are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor or texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).