Bacon Wrapped Scallops: Irresistible Seafood Delight5

bacon wrapped scallops

Discover mouthwatering Bacon Wrapped Scallops! This irresistible appetizer combines succulent seafood with crispy bacon for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Bacon wrapped scallops are the perfect elegant appetizer that combines the sweet, delicate flavor of sea scallops with the rich, smoky taste of crispy bacon. These savory morsels create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will impress your dinner guests or elevate any special occasion meal.

The scallops are wrapped in thin strips of bacon and either baked or broiled until the bacon becomes crisp and the scallops are tender and juicy. The contrast between the soft, buttery scallop and the crunchy bacon creates a mouthwatering combination that appeals to seafood lovers and bacon enthusiasts alike. This recipe features a simple preparation that allows the natural flavors to shine through, with just enough seasoning to enhance rather than overpower the delicate seafood.

A light drizzle of maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements both the scallops and bacon beautifully. Whether served as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party, as part of a romantic dinner for two, or as a luxurious addition to a seafood platter, these bacon wrapped scallops are sure to be a hit.

They’re surprisingly easy to prepare yet deliver a restaurant-quality result that looks and tastes impressive. The combination of high-quality sea scallops and perfectly crisp bacon creates a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting – the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Timming

📌 Number of Servings: 4 (as an appetizer)

⏳ Preparation Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

🥢 Ingredients :

✅ 12 large sea scallops (about 1 pound)
✅ 12 slices thin-cut bacon
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
✅ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
✅ 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
✅ 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
✅ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
✅ Wooden toothpicks or skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

👨‍🍳 Instructions :

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot, then prep your baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or foil for an easy cleanup later.
2. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle if still attached.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush each scallop with the olive oil mixture.
5. Partially cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to remain pliable but have rendered some fat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.
6. Wrap each scallop with a partially cooked bacon slice and secure with a soaked wooden toothpick or skewer.
7. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
8. If using maple syrup, lightly brush it over the tops of the bacon-wrapped scallops.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch.
10. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
11. Take it out of the oven and finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

💡 TIPS :

• Select “dry” scallops rather than “wet” ones, which have been treated with chemicals.
• Make sure to thoroughly pat the scallops dry before wrapping them in bacon.
• Partially cooking the bacon ensures it will be crispy when the scallops are done.
• Use thin-cut bacon rather than thick-cut to ensure it cooks evenly with the scallops.
• Soaking the wooden toothpicks prevents them from burning in the oven.
• For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon.
• Don’t overcook the scallops – they should be just opaque and firm to the touch.
• Try serving with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a sweet chili sauce.

📊Nutrition Information (per serving – 3 bacon wrapped scallops)

• Calories: 275
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 23g

❓ bacon wrapped scallops (FAQ) :

1. Can I use frozen scallops for this bacon wrapped scallops? Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before using. Fresh scallops will generally give you better results in terms of texture and flavor.
2. What are the signs that scallops are perfectly cooked?
   Properly cooked scallops should be opaque (not translucent) and firm to the touch but still slightly tender when pressed. They typically take 12-15 minutes at 425°F, depending on their size.
3. Can I prepare these bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time? You can wrap the scallops in bacon and secure them with toothpicks a few hours ahead, but it’s best to cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
4. How do sea scallops and bay scallops compare in size, flavor, and cooking uses?
   Sea scallops are larger (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter) and are better suited for this bacon wrapped scallops. Bay scallops are much smaller and would cook too quickly, making it difficult to get the bacon crisp without overcooking them.
5. Can I grill these instead of baking them? Absolutely! Grill them over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are cooked through.
6. What can I serve with bacon wrapped scallops? They work well as an appetizer on their own or as part of a main course with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or over risotto or pasta.
7. Why do you partially cook the bacon first? Pre-cooking the bacon ensures it will be crispy when the scallops are done. Scallops cook quickly, and raw bacon wouldn’t have time to crisp up properly.
8. How do I prevent the toothpicks from burning? Soak wooden toothpicks in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning during cooking.
9. Are bacon wrapped scallops gluten-free? The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your bacon label to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients or processed in a facility with gluten.
10. Is there a way to prepare this bacon wrapped scallops without bacon for a lighter, healthier option?
    You can certainly cook the scallops without bacon. In that case, I’d recommend searing them in a hot pan with a little olive oil and butter for about 2 minutes per side.

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