Ingredients
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup creme fraiche
3 tablespoons dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound bay scallops, tough muscle removed if necessary and patted dry
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh red chile, such as Fresno or red serrano
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Crusty bread, for serving
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat bottom of a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together creme fraiche, wine, and lemon zest; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add scallops, tossing to coat.
In a small bowl, mix together panko, Parmesan, garlic, chile, and remaining 1/4 cup butter. Add scallops to prepared dish, then pour creme fraiche mixture evenly over top. Top with panko mixture and a few grinds of pepper.
Bake until sizzling and golden, about 8 minutes. Switch oven to broiler setting; broil until breadcrumbs are browned, about 1 minute more. Sprinkle with parsley; serve immediately, with crusty bread.
