Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Short Description

A stunning and indulgent appetizer featuring succulent scallops enveloped in smoky, crispy bacon. Grilled to perfection, this recipe offers a delightful combination of juicy seafood and savory bacon that is sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the natural sweetness of scallops and the irresistible smoky flavor of bacon. Quick to prepare and elegant in presentation, it’s a versatile choice for casual gatherings or refined dinner parties. With a perfect balance of textures—tender scallops inside, crispy bacon outside—this recipe is both impressive and easy to execute.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

• Thinly sliced bacon

• Olive oil

• Fresh lemon juice

• Minced garlic

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Season and wrap
   Brush scallops lightly with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.

3. Grill scallops
   Place bacon-wrapped scallops on the grill. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until bacon is crisp and scallops are opaque and firm.

4. Garnish and serve
   Transfer scallops to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 4–6 servings, depending on portion size

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 8–10 minutes

• Total time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Sweet and spicy glaze: Brush scallops with a mixture of honey and sriracha before grilling for a sweet-heat twist.

• Herb-infused bacon: Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the bacon before wrapping for an aromatic touch.

• Citrus marinade: Marinate scallops in orange or lime juice prior to wrapping to introduce a bright citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain bacon crispiness.

FAQs

1. What size scallops should I use?

Opt for large sea scallops (approximately 1½ to 2 ounces each). They hold up well to grilling and pair nicely with bacon.

2. Do I need to remove the side muscle from scallops?

Yes. Remove the small, tough side muscle before cooking to ensure a tender texture.

3. Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner option. Keep in mind it may crisp differently and impart a distinct flavor.

4. How can I prevent bacon from coming undone?

Secure each scallop and bacon wrap with a toothpick before grilling to keep everything intact.

5. Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Certainly. Bake in a preheated 425 °F (220 °C) oven for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.

6. How do I know when scallops are cooked?

They should be opaque, firm to the touch, with a slight give in the center.

7. What should I serve with these scallops?

Consider serving them with mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or a simple garlic butter sauce.

8. Can I prepare scallops in advance?

You may wrap scallops in bacon a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Grill just before serving.

9. Are fresh scallops better than frozen?

Fresh scallops offer the best flavor, but properly thawed frozen scallops work well too. Pat them dry before cooking.

10. How do I handle dietary restrictions?

For gluten-free, verify that bacon is gluten-free. For a lower-sodium option, choose a reduced-sodium bacon.

Conclusion

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops are an elegant and indulgent appetizer that arrive at the table ready to impress. Their blend of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser, whether served at a casual get-together or a formal dinner. With easy preparation and a few optional variations, this recipe provides flexibility and a memorable taste experience.