coqui st jacques recipe

coqui st jacques recipe

The Best coqui st jacques recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, Coquilles Saint Jacques. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The name Coquilles Saint Jacques literally translates to ‘Saint James’ scallops’ in French, which refers to the shellfish used in this recipe.

The dish originated in France, where it was served as a luxurious meal for special occasions. But don’t let that fool you – it’s actually quite easy to make and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. I first discovered Coquilles Saint Jacques at a French restaurant when I was a teenager.

The flavors and presentation were unlike anything I’d ever tasted before. Since then, I’ve experimented with various recipes, but none have compared to this one. It’s become a regular in our dinner rotation because it’s not only delicious but also impressive enough to serve guests.

The key technique involved in making Coquilles Saint Jacques is the way the scallops are cooked inside their shells with garlic butter and white wine. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that complements the tender seafood perfectly. What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a side dish.

As for the health benefits of Coquilles Saint Jacques, it’s relatively low in calories and fat compared to other seafood dishes. The garlic butter adds flavor without excessive calories. Additionally, this recipe uses fresh ingredients like parsley and thyme, which provide antioxidants and other nutrients.

Coquilles Saint-Jacques

Coquilles Saint-Jacques

4.7 from 897 votes

This classic French dish features tender sea scallops baked in a creamy mushroom and wine sauce, topped with a golden gratin of breadcrumbs and cheese. It is an elegant appetizer or light main course that impresses with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Scallops

12 large sea scallops (about 1 lb)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fish stock or clam juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and white pepper.
3Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
4Sear the scallops for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through, then transfer them to a plate.
5Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
6Cook the shallot for 2 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
7Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
8Pour in the white wine and fish stock, stirring constantly, and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
9Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10Season with salt and white pepper, then fold in the parsley.
11Arrange the seared scallops in the scallop shells or gratin dishes.
12Spoon the mushroom cream sauce evenly over each scallop.
13In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and melted butter.
14Sprinkle this topping over the sauced scallops.
15Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
16Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

4 large scallop shells or shallow gratin dishes
Large skillet
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For best results, use dry sea scallops rather than wet-packed ones to ensure a good sear. You can prepare the sauce and sear the scallops up to a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Watch Video Of How Coquilles Saint-Jacques Works

Coquilles Saint Jacques is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner guests or want something impressive for family gatherings. It’s relatively easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.

For storage ideas, simply refrigerate leftover Coquilles Saint Jacques in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, be gentle over low heat or use defrost mode on your microwave.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Coquilles Saint-Jacques

Q: What type of scallops are best for Coquilles Saint Jacques?

I recommend using large or jumbo scallops for this recipe, as they will provide a more substantial serving size and better texture.

Q: Can I use frozen or canned scallops instead?

No, it’s best to use fresh scallops for this recipe. Frozen or canned scallops may be available year-round but will lack the texture and flavor of fresh ones.

Q: How do I store leftover Coquilles Saint Jacques?

After cooking the dish, let it cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I reheat Coquilles Saint Jacques safely?

Yes, you can reheat the dish by gently warming it over low heat or by microwaving on defrost mode.

Q: Are there any variations on the original Coquilles Saint Jacques recipe?

You can substitute some ingredients with others – try adding diced onions or mushrooms for added depth of flavor.

Q: What wine pairs well with Coquilles Saint Jacques?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish nicely.

Similar Posts