Coquilles St. Jacques(This Is A Classic)
Coquilles St. Jacques is a classic seafood dish featuring tender scallops in a rich, flavorful sauce with mushrooms, sherry, and herbs. Its elegant yet comforting profile makes it perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight dinner that impresses with its delicate balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bay scallops ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. marjoram
- 1/8 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 3/4 c. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/3 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. half and half cream ⓘ
- 2 tsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash scallops and drain.
- In a medium saucepan, cook and stir minced onion in butter until onion is tender.
- Add scallops, chopped mushrooms, lemon juice, salt, marjoram, paprika, and dry sherry; simmer, uncovered, exactly 2 minutes.
- Drain liquid from scallop mixture and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or using shallots instead of onions. If bay scallops aren't available, sea scallops can be substituted, but cut them into smaller pieces. To enhance the dish, you may also mix in some grated cheese before baking, which can create a deliciously creamy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coquilles St. Jacques in individual ramekins or scallop shells for an elegant presentation. Pair it with a light salad and a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a seafood dish like Shrimp Mousse for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the scallops. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covering the dish to retain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coquilles St. Jacques(This Is A Classic) contains roughly 1212 calories, with 22g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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 St. Jacques ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scallop mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it gently and transfer it to baking dishes. Top with breadcrumbs or cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly for a quick yet impressive dish.
What can I use instead of dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, a dry white wine or even chicken broth can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that using broth will alter the flavor slightly, so consider adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity to balance it out.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like broth or sherry, are also gluten-free to keep the dish compliant with gluten-free diets.
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).