Coquilles Saint Jacques – A French Classic

Coquilles Saint Jacques is a Classic French dish gracing tables worldwide.

This wonderful dish has always been a little mysterious to me. It always mesmerizes me how such a complexly flavored recipe can be quite the opposite in terms of preparation: it’s surprisingly easy!

Once you bite into the softness of those coquilles Saint Jacques you will never be the same. Enjoy this recipe as an appetizer or as a dinner, your family and friends will ask for seconds.

In this Article

What are coquilles St. Jacques?

Coquille St. Jacques means scallops or St. James scallops.

Coquille St Jaques is a French dish of scallops cooked with wine and cream and served over or amongst a mushroom puree or medley in a scallop dish.

Finished up with cheese under the broiler until golden brown, it’s a decadent dish nearly no one can resist.

How to select your scallops at your fishmonger?

When shopping for fresh scallops, they should have a pale pink or bluish tint.

Ensure that they all are the same size so they will cook evenly.

Rule of thumb on the quantities of scallops to be served:

You can make this scallops recipe as an appetizer; in that case, you will only need two scallops per guest.

If you choose to serve it as a dinner plate, I recommend serving three per guest. Make sure each scallop is more significant in size to make it a copious dinner.

Cooking tips and step-by-step instructions to make this fantastic recipe for Coquilles St Jacques

With all my recipes, please assemble all the ingredients before starting cooking and baking. 

• Blot and dry the sea scallops.
• Season the scallops with ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops on both sides for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, flipping them once. Transfer them to a plate once they can be easily lifted with cooking tongs.
• In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the mushrooms and sauté until they start to brown and become tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the shallots and garlic, cooking until the shallots are tender. Finally, season with the remaining salt and pepper for a delightful taste.
• In the skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture of mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Deglaze the skillet with the wine, stirring to release any bits that may have stuck to the skillet.
• Add the cream and oregano to the skillet and let it simmer. Put the scallops and any juices back in the skillet. Simmer again and then remove from heat.
• Set the broiler to high and evenly distribute the contents among four shallow stoneware dishes.
• Place 3 scallops in each dish, then generously sprinkle them with Comte cheese. Broil until the cheese turns a golden brown and starts to bubble, which should take approximately 3 minutes. Serve this delectable dish while it’s still hot.

What dishes can you enjoy with this Coquilles St Jacques?

You can serve the coquilles as an appetizer; however, serve two scallops instead. Rich in flavor, a mixed green salad or steamed spinach is an appropriate side dish for a light lunch.

A few other standout side dishes are green beans gremolata, asparagus soup with caramelized leeks, or roasted tomato risotto. 

I will also recommend a chilled glass of your favorite white wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chenin Blanc are just some of my suggestions to be enjoyed alongside the Coquilles St. Jacques. The balance of the two is fantastic.

As with anything you cook with wine, make sure it is the wine you will enjoy with your family and guests. A good wine always makes a great dish.

Substitutes and additions

• For those who prefer a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. It provides a rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
• As for the cheese, many dairy-free cheeses are available in the market today. A vegan mozzarella or vegan parmesan cheese could do the trick.
• Adding a touch of lemon zest to the scallops before broiling can add a refreshing twist to the dish. 
• For a bit of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mushroom and shallot mixture.
• If you’re not a fan of scallops, this dish could also be made with shrimp or chunks of a firm white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Remember, maintaining the original recipe’s balance of flavors is the key to a successful recipe substitution or addition.
• If you want a spectacular presentation, cook and serve the scallops in scallop shells. 
• For added texture, sprinkle bread crumbs or panko on top. 
• Garnish with flat-leaf parsley.
• For a touch of added flavor, use paprika, curry powder, or fresh herbs.

Storage

Leftover Coquilles St. Jacques can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, consuming them fresh is always the most desirable for the best taste and texture. 

If you must store them, reheat them gently in the oven to maintain the quality of the scallops. Avoid microwaving which will result in a rubbery texture.

As for freezing, it’s generally not recommended. When frozen after cooking, scallops may become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor upon thawing and reheating.

The creamy mushroom sauce may also separate or become grainy after freezing. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy this delightful French classic fresh and avoid freezing the leftovers.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can.

Follow the recipe to divide the scallops evenly in your serving dishes. Add the mushroom wine sauce to it. Do not add the cheese.

At this point, cover it lightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Reheating instructions

I recommend placing your serving dishes on the cookie sheet, thus eliminating any chance of spillage when you are ready to remove them from the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the foil of the plastic wrap and place the cookie sheet with the serving dishes in the warm oven for 20 minutes. Add the cheese and lightly brown it until it starts to bubble.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Coquilles St. Jacques recipe is beautiful to prepare any time of the year. The perfect Valentine’s Day dinner, date night, family night, or just because.

Equipment used to make this delicious Coquilles St. Jacques recipe.

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Originally published on October 25, 2019.