Last updated on December 29th, 2020
UPDATED DECEMBER 2020. Take some naturally-sweet scallops, drape them in wine and cream, spoon them into scallop shells (or a small baking dish), pop them under the broiler until brown and bubbly, and what will you have? A fabulous French first course or luncheon dish called Coquilles St. Jacques!
A note about scallop shells: You can find these in most kitchen-supply stores. Or, do what I did, and purchase them for a song from this online source. Alternatively, you can broil your Coquilles in a small baking dish or gratin pan, or in little ramekins.
Shall we make this perfect poetry together, just the two of us? Here’s the simple step-by-step recipe:
Tip 1 pound (about 2 cups) of bay scallops into a non-stick, 10-inch diameter skillet…
And add enough dry vermouth (or dry white wine) to almost cover the scallops. That’s about a 1/2 cup of vermouth.
Then stir in a heaping tablespoon of finely minced scallion or shallot…
And a 1/4 teaspoon of kosher (coarse) salt.
Now bring the mixture to a rapid boil on the stove top. Then lower the heat and let the scallops simmer until springy to the touch — about 2 minutes. Don’t over-cook the scallops!
While the scallops are simmering, mix 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch with just enough cold water to make a smooth paste. Be sure to spill some cornstarch on your work surface.
Next, set a wire-mesh sieve over a green bowl…
And strain the scallops so the cooking juices drip into the bowl.
Return the cooking juices to the skillet, and tip the scallops into the (now-empty) bowl.
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the skillet, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
Then whisk in the cold cornstarch solution. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens — about 20 seconds.
Off heat, whisk in 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
Add the winey cream sauce to the scallops, and gently but thoroughly stir them together.
Line a baking sheet with some crumpled aluminum foil, and arrange 6 scallop shells on top. The crumpled foil will keep the shells from tipping while we fill them.
Divide the scallop mixture between the shells…
And top them off with a small amount of grated Swiss cheese — about a tablespoon of cheese for each shell.
Make-ahead note: At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the filled shells for several hours.
About 5 minutes before serving time, set the baking sheet under the broiler, and broil until the cream sauce bubbles and the cheese colors attractively — 2-3 minutes.
Then plate the scallops, and bring them to table. They’ll make a fine start to almost any dinner party, especially one where Thyme and Wine Beef Stew is served as the main course.
No scallop shells in your batterie de cuisine? Use a baking or gratin dish that is just large enough to hold the scallop mixture, and broil as described above. And then make plans to obtain some scallop shells. They’re fun to work with! They clean up beautifully, too.
Hungry for more? Get my email updates.
And here, in case you need it, is a printable version of the above:
A fabulous first course that can be assembled several hours in advance, and then browned beneath a broiler a few minutes before serving time. It's naturally sweet, luxuriously creamy, and definitely delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bay scallops
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup dry French vermouth (or any good dry white wine)
- A generous tablespoon of minced scallion (white part)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 generous tablespoon cornstarch blended with enough cold water to make a smooth paste (for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Grated Swiss cheese – a small sprinkling for each serving
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with crumpled foil, and arrange 6 clean scallop shells on top (see NOTES below). Then put the bay scallops, vermouth, scallion, and salt in a non-stick, 10-inch diamete skillet. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, then immediately lower the heat, and let simmer until the scallops are just springy to the touch – about 2 minutes.
- Pour the scallops and all of their cooking juices into a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium-size bowl. Return the cooking juices to the skillet, and tip the scallops into the (now empty) bowl. Add the cream to the cooking juices, and bring them to a boil. Then add the cornstarch mixture, and whisk until thickened – about 15 seconds. Off heat, whisk in the paprika.
- Tip the sauce over the scallops, and stir gently to combine. Divide the scallop mixture between the shells, and top them off with a light sprinkling of the grated cheese. (If you are not planning to broil the scallops right away, cover and refrigerate them for several hours. Remove the cover before broiling.) Broil until the cream sauce thickens, and the cheese colors attractively – 2-3 minutes. Serve at once.
NOTES: For the best presentation, be sure to serve Coquille St. Jacques in scallop shells. The shells are available at most kitchen-supply stores. Otherwise, use a baking or gratin dish that is just large enough to hold the scallop mixture.
You may also like:
Brenda Johnson says
Twas indeed!!!! What a fabulous treat to have Kevin appear with a “shellfull” of these delicious scallops!!! Creamy savory sauce over tender sweet bay scallops with just a wave (did ya catch that ocean reference there?? ) of cheese. Reminded me of how fond I am of this particular dish!! Kevin gave me the walk through of making it- so approachable, downright streamlined his version is!! You will love these, for appetizers, main course…whatever your menu needs!! Thanks for sharing Kevin!!!
Cheryl Scharling says
Do you consider bay scallops to be as tasty as sea scallops? I’m asking because the few times I’ve had them, I didn’t care for the taste. Or did I get bad scallops? I would assume that sea scallops can be used in this recipe? (When I win the lottery I will buy some. They are so pricey!)
Linda says
Lovely presentation. I too, would prefer sea scallops if that’s possible.
Maraya says
Kevin, you bring tears to my eyes! Coquilles St. Jacques used to be one of my favorite dishes until – about fifteen years ago – I developed an allergy to scallops. It occurs to me that perhaps I can make this with a firm, white fish. Maybe swordfish? Comment dit on “swordfish” en francais?
Kate says
My latest inspiration! I haven’t made this in years. And I have the shells – and am a New England coastal dweller – so there’s really no excuse. Off to the market for scallops today… thanks to you.
Troy says
Oct. 1 is opening day of bay scallop season here on the cape! Local Bay scallops are far better than sea scallops. They sometimes fetch upwards of $30 per pound, which is why I don’t buy them but gather 30 or so pounds a year! Sea scallops are very good too though.
Patricia Panuccio says
Yummy
Dr. Carolyn Contois says
Oh, Kevin!!!! You have outdone yourself… ( if that’s possible) You can die after eating this…you have experienced Nirvana!!!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Cheryl and Linda – Bay scallops are the sweetest of all scallops, and hence their hefty price tag. But you can certainly use sea scallops for Coquilles St. Jacques. Just chop them first so they will cook quickly and evenly.
Hi Maraya – Swordfish (espadon, en Francaise) in this very same wine and cream sauce could be heavenly indeed. If you try it, let me know how it turns out for you!
Hi Dr. Contois – Nirvana indeed!
Bryanna says
Kevin, I didn’t know Coquilles St. Jacques was so easy to make! Love your step by step photos!
Catharine R. says
I’m drooling! Ordering the shells now so I can make the scallops this weekend. Thanks, Kevin!
Stephanie L says
I love Brenda’s review. Wish I lived next door to you!
Dee Lansing says
I so love your posts!
Linda A says
Hi Kevin, Thanks for the link to the shells. I had a set of these years ago when I used
to make Coquilles St. Jacques but I lost them somewhere along the way. Haven’t made the
recipe in as many years and your post is a happy reminder.
I’m wondering why you don’t first saute or sweat the onions – wouldn’t that bring
out the flavor more? Or does it matter??
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Linda A – The scallions (or shallots — I wouldn’t use onions) are for “background music.” When finely minced, they soften quickly in the cooking juices. Hope this answered your question!
Pam R says
OMG, this sounds so Good !! I will be procuring the ingredients to make this soon!
San says
You have reminded me I haven’t made these for a couple if years. To the markets now! Although I don’t have a green jug….
San says
Thank you! You have reminded me I haven’t made these for a couple of years. To the markets now! Although I don’t have a green jug….
Judy Leroux says
Wow Kevin your site is grand stuff man!!!!!!!! I was wondering if you would like some fresh Tumeric organically grown in my Greenhouse in NC. I ma sure you could do something wonderful with these lovely rootlets. They give a dish and exciting yellow color too.
Kathryn Wimmer says
I thought I would just share with you what I learned the other day on the river tour in Paris. I found it so interesting. The word for “scallops” in French is “coquilles St. Jacques.” The symbol for the route Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle to Spain (The Way movie with Martin Sheen) is a scallop shell. When the French were coming back from their pilgrimages they brought the scallops with them and that is how they became named this way. There is the tower of St. Jacques in the city center of Paris next to Chatelet. I’ve asked hundreds of people over the years what that tower is with the shells on it and nobody knew. It was and still is the starting point for the Parisians for the pilgrimage to Spain.
Kevin, you have outdone yourself! This recipe looks absolutely fantastic and I look forward to trying it when scallops are in season next month.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Judy – Thanks for the offer! No need to send, because my local farm store offers organic, greenhouse-grown tumeric. It’s healthy stuff!
Hi Kathryn – Thanks for the history lesson! Oh, how I love Paris.
Connie Story says
My best souvenir from a vacation in Maine is a HUGE tea tin full of lovely scallop shells just for such a recipe!
Marymargaret says
Made this beautiful dish tonight with rave reviews. A simple rice pilaf and stuffed zucchini made a very pretty and special dinner for a quiet Sunday night.
Thanks, Kevin – you make me brave!!
marymargaret
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Marymargaret – I’m so glad the Coquilles worked out for you!
Sandy Martinez says
Hi Kevin,
I was just wondering what to make for the Halloween party…you’re so awesome, thanks!!
OK, what is your favorite Swiss cheese for this? I normally have Jarlsberg on hand but would love to discover a new cheese. Right now my favorite is Manchego from Spain.
Have a great night, as it’s 9.00 pm in Forbestown, CA. (and all is well…!)
Love, Sandy Martinez