Coquille St. Jacques
Coquille St. Jacques is a classic French seafood dish featuring tender scallops in a rich mushroom and wine sauce, accented with herbs and pimiento. Its luxurious flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions or elegant dinners, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking a sophisticated taste experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms, green onions, and celery; cook until tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, and thyme; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add white wine, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the scallops and cook until just opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in chopped pimiento and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using shallots instead of green onions. If you don't have white wine, chicken broth can be a suitable substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly. Ensure the scallops are dry before cooking to achieve a better sear. When sautéing, avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper heat and achieve tenderness. For added depth, a touch of cream can be stirred in at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coquille St. Jacques in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, such as Bayley'S West Indies Salad, or alongside crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed asparagus or a side of Elegant Seafood Crepes to enhance the seafood theme.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery. If the dish seems dry upon reheating, a splash of white wine or broth can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coquille St. Jacques contains roughly 232 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1895mg per serving (82% 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, frozen scallops can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps achieve a better texture. Plan ahead, as thawing can take several hours in the refrigerator or a quick defrost in cold water.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with diced bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, omit them altogether and increase the celery for a crunchier base.
How do I know when the scallops are done cooking?
Scallops are done when they turn opaque and have a slightly firm texture. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them while cooking, typically taking about 3-4 minutes depending on size.
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).