coquilles st. jacques: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “coquilles st. jacques” mean?
A French culinary dish consisting of scallops baked in their shell, usually with a sauce and breadcrumbs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French culinary dish consisting of scallops baked in their shell, usually with a sauce and breadcrumbs.
A term for scallops themselves, particularly in a culinary context, and by extension can refer to the shell of the scallop used for serving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly encountered in UK fine dining menus and cookbooks; in the US, it is a very specific, sophisticated dish, often Anglicized as 'scallops in the shell'.
Connotations
UK: Classic French cuisine, sophistication. US: High-end dining, European flair.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK culinary contexts, but overall low frequency in general language in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “coquilles st. jacques” in a Sentence
[dish] features coquilles St. Jacques[chef] prepares coquilles St. Jacques with [ingredient]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coquilles st. jacques” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will coquille the scallops for the starter.
- We coquilled the seafood mix beautifully.
American English
- The menu offers coquilled seafood.
- They coquille the scallops in a white wine sauce.
adverb
British English
- The scallops were served coquille-style.
American English
- The seafood was prepared coquille, with a gratin topping.
adjective
British English
- A coquille-style presentation is expected.
- The coquille shells were imported.
American English
- We ordered the coquille appetizer.
- A coquille dish requires specific plates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in restaurant supply or hospitality contexts.
Academic
Rare, possibly in culinary history or gastronomy studies.
Everyday
Very rare, limited to dining experiences or cooking enthusiasts.
Technical
Specific to professional culinary arts and menu writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coquilles st. jacques”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coquilles st. jacques”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coquilles st. jacques”
- Misspelling as 'coquille St. Jacques' (singular) when referring to the dish.
- Pronouncing 'Jacques' as English 'Jay-kweez' instead of the French 'Zhahk'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term is grammatically plural but is often treated as a singular dish name (e.g., 'Coquilles St. Jacques is on the menu').
No, the shell is used for presentation. You eat only the baked scallop and sauce mixture inside.
It refers to Saint James (Jacques in French). The scallop shell is the traditional symbol of pilgrims on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago).
Yes, it is common to use ceramic or metal ramekins shaped like scallop shells for home cooking.
A French culinary dish consisting of scallops baked in their shell, usually with a sauce and breadcrumbs.
Coquilles st. jacques is usually formal / culinary in register.
Coquilles st. jacques: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˌkiː sæ̃ ˈʒæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˌkiː sæn ˈʒɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COOK-KEY Saint JACK – you need the right 'key' (recipe) to 'cook' this dish for Saint James (St. Jacques).
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS ELEGANT CONTAINMENT (scallops elegantly contained in their own shell).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary ingredient in 'coquilles St. Jacques'?