Perfect Sides for Coquilles St Jacques Delight

Coquilles St Jacques is a classic French dish of scallops and bacon served as an appetizer or main meal. It is a rich and filling dish, so it’s important to consider what side dishes will complement the flavors without overpowering them. In this article, we will explore the best accompaniments to serve with Coquilles St Jacques, including Paris mash, sea beans, little gem salad, lemon zucchini risotto, shrimp spaghetti aglio olio, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, crostini, garlic-sauteed spinach, lemon garlic green beans, cheese soufflé, and pesto-stuffed mushrooms.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Coquilles St Jacques is a classic French dish of scallops and bacon.

Choose side dishes that complement the flavors of Coquilles St Jacques without overpowering them.
Consider options like Paris mash, sea beans, little gem salad, lemon zucchini risotto, and more.
Variety in textures and flavors enhances the dining experience.

Create a memorable meal by pairing Coquilles St Jacques with the perfect side dish.

Paris Mash: The Ultimate Creamy Side Dish

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for Coquilles St Jacques, look no further than Paris mash. This decadent dish takes regular mashed potatoes to a whole new level of indulgence.

Paris mash is known for its smooth and velvety texture, reminiscent of whipped cream. Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, which can sometimes be lumpy, Paris mash is a heavenly concoction of buttery goodness. In fact, it’s made with over 25% butter, giving it a rich and luxurious taste.

The velvety smoothness of Paris mash is the perfect companion for the delicate flavors of Coquilles St Jacques. With every bite, the creamy mash melds seamlessly with the scallops, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re a fan of mashed potatoes or simply looking for a side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your meal, Paris mash is a must-try. Its creamy, buttery goodness will transport you to the streets of Paris and elevate your dining experience.

Sea Beans: A Salty and Fresh Accompaniment

When it comes to complementing Coquilles St Jacques, sea beans are an excellent choice. These fresh coastal vegetables offer a unique and natural salty flavor that beautifully offsets the richness of the dish. Not only do sea beans add a burst of taste, but they also bring a refreshing and vibrant element to the meal.

Sea beans are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various ways. One quick and easy option is to blanch them and then toss them in a decadent lemon butter sauce. This simple dish allows the sea beans to shine and provides a delightful contrast to the scallops.

Let’s have a closer look at the nutritional value of sea beans:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	16
Protein	2g
Fiber	2g
Vitamin C	25mg
Iron	1.5mg

Sea beans are not widely known, but their nutritional content makes them a great addition to any meal. The low calorie and protein content make them a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the high vitamin C and iron levels offer additional health benefits.

Include sea beans as a side dish with Coquilles St Jacques to create a well-rounded and delicious dining experience. Not only will they enhance the overall flavor profile, but they will also provide a touch of coastal freshness to delight your taste buds.

Little Gem Salad: A Loaded and Refreshing Bite

For a more loaded and refreshing salad, little gem salad is an excellent choice to serve with Coquilles St Jacques. This salad features fresh produce like little gem lettuce, watermelon radish, avocado, and sugar snap peas. Everything is tossed in a light and creamy Green Goddess dressing that adds an irresistible bite to the meal.

Little gem lettuce, with its crisp and compact leaves, provides the perfect base for this salad. Its mild and slightly sweet flavor complements the delicate taste of Coquilles St Jacques without overpowering it. The watermelon radish adds a vibrant pop of color and a slightly peppery taste, while the avocado adds creaminess and richness to each bite. The sugar snap peas contribute a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness.

To tie everything together, this little gem salad is dressed with a luscious Green Goddess dressing. The Green Goddess dressing is made with fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chives, combined with tangy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and a hint of lemon juice. This light and creamy dressing enhances the flavors of the fresh produce and complements the richness of the Coquilles St Jacques.

With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and harmonious flavors, this little gem salad is a true gem on its own. It provides a refreshing contrast to the indulgent Coquilles St Jacques, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:	Green Goddess Dressing:
Little gem lettuce Watermelon radish Avocado Sugar snap peas	Greek yogurt Mayonnaise Fresh parsley Fresh tarragon Fresh chives Lemon juice Salt and pepper

Lemon Zucchini Risotto: A Tart and Zesty Combo

When it comes to pairing side dishes with Coquilles St Jacques, scallops and risotto make for a classic combination. And when it comes to risotto, lemon zucchini risotto stands out as the ideal choice for complementing the flavors of this delightful French dish.

Lemon zucchini risotto offers a tantalizing blend of tart and zesty flavors, thanks to the bright acidity of the lemon and the tangy richness of parmesan cheese. The dish is not only delicious but also provides a light and creamy texture that perfectly complements the succulent scallops of Coquilles St Jacques.

This side dish is particularly well-suited for warm summer dinners, with its refreshing and vibrant flavors. The lemon brings a tartness that cuts through the richness of the risotto, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the dining experience.

When serving Coquilles St Jacques alongside lemon zucchini risotto, your guests will be treated to a taste sensation that transcends the ordinary. The tartness of the lemon and the vibrant zucchini flavors elevate the dish, creating a symphony of taste that pairs perfectly with the scallops.

Prepare to impress your guests with this tart and zesty combo. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to elevate your own dining experience, serving Coquilles St Jacques with lemon zucchini risotto is sure to leave a lasting impression that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Shrimp Spaghetti Aglio Olio: A Garlicky Seafood Pasta

If serving Coquilles St Jacques as the main course, beef it up with shrimp spaghetti aglio olio. This dish is a simple but flavorful garlicky seafood pasta. The addition of shrimp enhances the dish, but you can also swap it for your favorite fish or shellfish. It is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in no time, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

For an unforgettable seafood experience, try this tantalizing recipe for shrimp spaghetti aglio olio. With its garlicky flavor and perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your preferred seafood, making it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for shrimp spaghetti aglio olio:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat the spaghetti in the flavorful oil.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the spaghetti. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish pairs perfectly with Coquilles St Jacques. The combination of the tender scallops and the garlicky seafood pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests impressed. It’s a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Tips for Success:

Use fresh and high-quality shrimp to ensure the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes according to your preference for spiciness.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.

Incorporate this garlicky seafood pasta into your menu to elevate your Coquilles St Jacques meal. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it an irresistible addition to any seafood feast. Enjoy the rich and satisfying combination of shrimp spaghetti aglio olio and Coquilles St Jacques for a memorable dining experience.

Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes: A Filling Side Dish

Make your Coquilles St Jacques the star of a filling meal by serving it with roasted asparagus and tomatoes. Roasting these vegetables enhances their natural flavors and makes them even more delicious. The addition of a sweet and tart balsamic reduction and some parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the dish. Roasted asparagus and tomatoes provide a perfect balance to the scallops and create a satisfying meal.

Roasting asparagus and tomatoes brings out their enhanced natural flavors, intensifying their sweetness and adding a touch of earthiness. The caramelization from the roasting process creates a pleasant crispness on the outside while keeping the vegetables tender on the inside. Combined with the succulent Coquilles St Jacques, the roasted asparagus and tomatoes contribute to a wonderfully satisfying dining experience.

To elevate the dish even further, a balsamic reduction is drizzled over the roasted asparagus and tomatoes. The sweet and tangy notes of the reduction complement the natural sweetness of the vegetables and create a harmonious flavor profile. A sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory element to the dish, enhancing the overall richness and complexity.

The combination of roasted asparagus and tomatoes with Coquilles St Jacques strikes a perfect balance. The vibrant colors, flavors, and textures create a visually appealing and delicious side dish that complements the delicate scallops. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this savory and satisfying pairing is sure to impress.

Crostini: Homemade Delight for Dipping

Don’t skip the pre-made stuff – homemade crostini is way better and pairs perfectly with Coquilles St Jacques. Imagine dipping your freshly-made crostini in the creamy and cheesy sauce of the dish. It is a delightful combination that adds texture and flavor to the meal. Making your own crostini is easy and worth the effort for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

A Simple Recipe for Homemade Crostini

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice a baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Drizzle the bread slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for about 10 minutes until the crostini are crisp and golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Now that you have your homemade crostini ready, you can serve them alongside Coquilles St Jacques. The crusty bread provides a satisfying crunch and acts as the perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy and cheesy sauce. It adds an extra dimension to the dish, making it a delightful culinary experience.

Conclusion

When it comes to serving Coquilles St Jacques, finding the right side dishes is essential for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The options mentioned in this article provide a variety of choices that perfectly complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering them.

For those looking for a creamy and indulgent side, Paris mash is the ultimate choice, with its velvety texture and buttery goodness. Sea beans offer a natural salty flavor that adds depth and freshness to the meal, while a little gem salad loaded with fresh produce and a Green Goddess dressing provides a refreshing bite.

If you’re in the mood for flavorful and zesty combinations, lemon zucchini risotto or shrimp spaghetti aglio olio are excellent choices. For a filling side, roasted asparagus and tomatoes add enhanced natural flavors, especially when combined with a balsamic reduction. Homemade crostini provides a delightful crunch and pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy sauce of the dish.

Whether you prefer creamy, refreshing, or crunchy side dishes, the suggestions in this article, including Paris mash, sea beans, little gem salad, lemon zucchini risotto, shrimp spaghetti aglio olio, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, crostini, garlic-sauteed spinach, lemon garlic green beans, cheese soufflé, and pesto-stuffed mushrooms, offer a range of options to elevate your Coquilles St Jacques dining experience.

FAQ

What are the best side dishes to serve with Coquilles St Jacques?

Some excellent side dishes to serve with Coquilles St Jacques include Paris mash, sea beans, little gem salad, lemon zucchini risotto, shrimp spaghetti aglio olio, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, crostini, garlic-sauteed spinach, lemon garlic green beans, cheese soufflé, and pesto-stuffed mushrooms.

How do I make Paris mash?

Paris mash is made by creating extra smooth and velvety mashed potatoes that are extra buttery. The dish is enriched with butter, making up over 25% of the recipe.

What is sea beans?

Sea beans are fresh, coastal vegetables that have a natural salty flavor. They can be blanched and tossed in lemon butter to create a quick and easy side dish.

How do I make little gem salad?

Little gem salad is made with fresh produce like little gem lettuce, watermelon radish, avocado, and sugar snap peas. The salad is tossed in a light and creamy Green Goddess dressing.

What is lemon zucchini risotto?

Lemon zucchini risotto is a dish that combines scallops and risotto. It features tart and zesty flavors from lemon and parmesan cheese, making it light and creamy.

How do I make shrimp spaghetti aglio olio?

Shrimp spaghetti aglio olio is a simple and flavorful garlicky seafood pasta. It can be prepared by sautéing shrimp with garlic and tossing it with cooked spaghetti.

How do I make roasted asparagus and tomatoes?

Roasted asparagus and tomatoes are made by roasting the vegetables to enhance their natural flavors. They can be drizzled with a sweet and tart balsamic reduction and topped with parmesan cheese.

How do I make crostini?

Crostini can be made by toasting sliced bread until crispy. It can then be served as a homemade delight for dipping into the creamy and cheesy sauce of Coquilles St Jacques.

What are some other side dish options for Coquilles St Jacques?

Other side dish options for Coquilles St Jacques include garlic-sauteed spinach, lemon garlic green beans, cheese soufflé, and pesto-stuffed mushrooms.

What should I consider when choosing side dishes for Coquilles St Jacques?

When choosing side dishes for Coquilles St Jacques, it’s important to consider flavors that complement the dish without overpowering it. The options mentioned in this article offer a range of creamy, refreshing, and crunchy accompaniments to enhance the dining experience.