Coquilles St Jacques
Highlighted under: Culture Inspired Recipes
Experience the exquisite flavors of Coquilles St Jacques, a classic French dish that brings the taste of the sea to your table. This elegant recipe features tender scallops baked in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Coquilles St Jacques is not only a dish that impresses with its presentation but also delights with its rich flavors. Originating from the French coastline, this dish celebrates the delicate nature of scallops, enhanced by a luxurious creamy sauce and topped with golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for dinner parties or special occasions, it brings a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicate and tender scallops that melt in your mouth
- Rich and creamy sauce that enhances the seafood flavor
- Elegant presentation makes it a perfect dish for entertaining
The Essence of Coquilles St Jacques
Coquilles St Jacques, translating to 'scallops in shells,' is a dish that embodies the charm of French cuisine. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of scallops, allowing their delicate flavors to shine through. The use of fresh ingredients, including aromatic shallots and rich heavy cream, enhances the overall taste, making it a delightful experience for seafood lovers.
Traditionally served in scallop shells, this dish not only pleases the palate but also the eyes. The golden breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, perfectly contrasting the tender scallops beneath. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, Coquilles St Jacques is sure to impress your guests and elevate any dining occasion.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to pairing wine with Coquilles St Jacques, a crisp white wine is an excellent choice. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and enhances the seafood flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving sparkling water with a slice of lemon, which can cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the dish.
In terms of sides, a light salad with fresh greens and a citrus vinaigrette works wonderfully. It adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery scallops. Alternatively, a side of garlic buttered asparagus or sautéed spinach can provide a vibrant touch, creating a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and elegant.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with Coquilles St Jacques, start with the freshest scallops you can find. Look for firm, translucent scallops that have a mild oceanic scent. Avoid any that appear dull or have a strong fishy odor, as these may not be fresh.
Another essential tip is to avoid overcooking the scallops. They should be cooked just until they are opaque and tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the topping as well; it should be golden brown but not burnt, providing that perfect crunch that completes the dish.
Ingredients
For the Scallops
- 12 large sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Gather all the ingredients before you begin to make the cooking process smoother.
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
Assemble the Dish
Place the scallops in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the scallops evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and melted butter.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and the scallops are cooked through.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Coquilles St Jacques with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, Coquilles St Jacques can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the texture of the scallops and the crunch of the topping, it’s best to reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the scallops rubbery and the topping soggy. If you find the topping has lost its crispness, you can add a sprinkle of fresh breadcrumbs before reheating to restore some texture.
Variations to Try
While the traditional recipe is delightful on its own, you can easily customize Coquilles St Jacques to suit your taste. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This addition not only enhances the dish but also adds a pop of color.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the sauce can elevate the dish. You might also experiment with different cheeses for the topping, such as Gruyère or a smoked cheese, offering a unique twist on this classic French favorite.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
→ What can I serve with Coquilles St Jacques?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty French bread.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before assembling the dish.
→ What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works best for this recipe.
Coquilles St Jacques
Experience the exquisite flavors of Coquilles St Jacques, a classic French dish that brings the taste of the sea to your table. This elegant recipe features tender scallops baked in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Culture Inspired Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Scallops
- 12 large sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Place the scallops in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the scallops evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the scallops and sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and the scallops are cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 14g