Coquilles Saint-Jacques
Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a classic French dish featuring tender scallops in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and herbs. Elegant and flavorful, it suits special occasions and dinner parties, offering a delightful combination of seafood, buttery sauce, and a crispy bread crumb topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the white wine and bouquet garni to a boil.
- Add the fresh scallops, washed and drained.
- Salt to taste and simmer for 10 minutes or until scallops are tender.
- Drain the scallops, reserving the broth, and cut into fine pieces.
- Clean and chop the mushrooms.
- Place the chopped mushrooms, shallots (or onion), parsley, 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain and add the liquid to the wine broth.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan; add flour and stir until well blended.
- Gradually add the hot liquid from the scallops and mushrooms, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in egg yolks, beaten with heavy cream and a little of the hot sauce.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, then stir in the scallops, shallots, and mushrooms.
- Fill scallop shells or ramekins with the mixture, piling high.
- Dust the center with bread crumbs, dot with butter, and brown in a hot oven or under the broiler.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you're short on time, frozen scallops can be used, but ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Fresh herbs like tarragon or chives can be substituted for parsley for a different flavor profile. This dish is also great served in a variety of shells, not just scallop shells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coquilles Saint-Jacques as an elegant appetizer or main course, paired with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It goes wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside garlic butter asparagus or roasted vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Caribbean Shrimp And Black Bean Salad for a seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery. If desired, top with fresh breadcrumbs before reheating for added texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coquilles Saint-Jacques contains roughly 1840 calories, with 54g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 169g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (168% of the Daily Value), protein (108% of the Daily Value), and iron (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% 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 prepare Coquilles Saint-Jacques ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve. However, it's best to add the breadcrumbs just before baking to ensure they stay crisp.
What can I use instead of scallops?
If scallops aren't available, you can substitute with shrimp or crab meat for a similar seafood flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster than scallops.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Coquilles Saint-Jacques gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour and ensuring the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free. This allows everyone to enjoy this classic dish.
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).