Buttermilk Baked Scallops with Ritz Crust
Indulge in this luscious recipe for Buttermilk Baked Scallops with Ritz Crust, inspired by the renowned Legal Seafoods in Boston. This dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of fresh sea scallops with a creamy buttermilk marinade that elevates their natural sweetness. Each scallop is lovingly coated and nestled in a crunchy layer of hand-crushed Ritz crackers, providing a delightful contrast of textures. Finished with a spritz of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a celebration of coastal flavors and a touch of home. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you'll find yourself craving these delicious scallops time and again. To add a little kick, consider sprinkling a dash of cayenne pepper on top right before serving!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
2 lbs (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (minced)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
Ritz crackers
2 cups (hand crushed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
lemon
1 small (halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, place the sea scallops and season them with salt and pepper. Add the minced thyme and buttermilk, then gently toss the scallops until they are evenly coated.
3
Transfer the scallops, along with the buttermilk marinade, to an ovenproof dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
4
Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers generously over the scallops, ensuring they are well covered.
5
Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker-topped scallops, allowing it to seep down for added flavor.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops just before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients for Buttermilk Baked Scallops with Ritz Crust?
The primary ingredients include 2 lbs of sea scallops, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, buttermilk, Ritz crackers, butter, and a small lemon.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to for this scallop recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the scallops need to bake?
Bake the scallops for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
What restaurant inspired this Buttermilk Baked Scallop recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Legal Seafoods in Boston.
How should I prepare the Ritz crackers for the topping?
The Ritz crackers should be hand-crushed to create a crunchy layer.
Do I need to drain the buttermilk marinade before baking?
No, you should transfer the scallops along with the buttermilk marinade to the ovenproof dish.
What is the best way to arrange the scallops in the baking dish?
Arrange the scallops in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Can I add any spice to this dish?
Yes, you can sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper on top right before serving for a little kick.
When should the lemon juice be added?
Fresh lemon juice should be squeezed over the scallops just before serving.
What kind of thyme is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced fresh thyme leaves.
How much butter is required for the Ritz cracker crust?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter to be drizzled over the cracker topping.
How much buttermilk is used in the marinade?
You will need 1/2 cup of buttermilk to coat the scallops.
What type of scallops are recommended for this recipe?
Sea scallops are recommended for this specific recipe.
How many cups of Ritz crackers do I need?
You need 2 cups of crushed Ritz crackers for the crust.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
What is the flavor profile of the buttermilk marinade?
The buttermilk marinade provides a creamy base that elevates the natural sweetness of the sea scallops.
Should the scallops be enjoyed immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, the scallops should be enjoyed immediately after baking.
What does the butter do for the Ritz cracker topping?
The melted butter seeps down through the crackers to add flavor and help the topping brown in the oven.
Can I use dried thyme if I don't have fresh?
While fresh thyme is specified, you can use dried thyme in a smaller quantity (about 1/3 tsp) if fresh is unavailable.
How do I know when the scallops are fully cooked?
The scallops are done when they are opaque throughout and the Ritz cracker topping has turned golden brown.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features succulent, tender scallops contrasted with a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker crust.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
No, the provided data does not currently list specific calorie, fat, or carbohydrate counts.
What region of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This dish represents Boston cuisine and coastal seafood flavors.
Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
The recipe specifies 2 lbs of sea scallops; if using smaller bay scallops, you will need to significantly reduce the baking time to prevent overcooking.
What size dish should I use for 2 lbs of scallops?
Use an ovenproof dish large enough to accommodate the scallops in a single layer, such as a 9x13 inch baking pan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 ingredients: sea scallops, salt, pepper, thyme, buttermilk, Ritz crackers, butter, and lemon.
Does the recipe suggest any specific salt and pepper amounts?
Salt and black pepper are used to taste.
What makes this dish an elegant dinner choice?
The combination of fresh sea scallops, a rich buttermilk marinade, and a golden Ritz crust creates a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
How do you prepare the fresh lemon for this recipe?
The lemon should be halved so it can be easily squeezed over the cooked scallops.
Is there a specific way to coat the scallops in buttermilk?
Yes, place them in a large bowl with the buttermilk and seasonings, then gently toss them until they are evenly coated.