Bacon-wrapped scallops are a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, smoky flavors of bacon with the delicate sweetness of sea scallops. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, whether served as an elegant appetizer or as the star of a main course. The contrast between the crispy, savory bacon and the tender, succulent scallops makes for a dish that’s both visually stunning and a delight to the palate.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the scallops by ensuring they’re dry. You can pat them gently with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping up properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the scallops with this mixture.
- Take each slice of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half-slice of bacon around a scallop and secure it with a toothpick, ensuring the bacon fully covers the scallop. This will create a spiral pattern.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
- Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the skillet, making sure the bacon seam side is down. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque in the center. This should take about 6-8 minutes in total, depending on the size of the scallops.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick or with your favorite side dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230 calories
- Fat: 16 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
Expert Tips and Tricks
Select Quality Ingredients: The quality of your scallops and bacon can significantly impact the final dish. Fresh, large, and dry-packed sea scallops are ideal. Choose good-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results.
Baste with Butter: For extra flavor, you can baste the scallops with melted butter while they cook. This adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the dish.
Variation: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can marinate the scallops in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before wrapping them in bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
What Can You Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Scallops?
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delightful appetizer or main course. They pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors of the bacon and scallops.
Roasted Asparagus: The earthy, roasted asparagus provides a lovely contrast to the savory and slightly sweet taste of the scallops.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing and crunchy element to the dish.
Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf is a great choice if you’re looking for something to soak up the delicious juices.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delectable treat that combines the savory goodness of bacon with the sweet, tender meat of scallops. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to please your taste buds. With the right techniques and a few simple side dishes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in this classic dish.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the scallops by ensuring they’re dry. You can pat them gently with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping up properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the scallops with this mixture.
- Take each slice of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half-slice of bacon around a scallop and secure it with a toothpick, ensuring the bacon fully covers the scallop. This will create a spiral pattern.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
- Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the skillet, making sure the bacon seam side is down. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque in the center. This should take about 6-8 minutes in total, depending on the size of the scallops.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick or with your favorite side dish.
