How to Make Delicious Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Who doesn’t love the crispy, salty goodness of bacon, paired with the delicate sweetness of scallops? If you’re looking for an easy, impressive appetizer to serve at your next dinner party or family gathering, look no further than bacon wrapped scallops. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will leave your guests begging for more.

To get started, you’ll need some fresh, large sea scallops and some good quality bacon. You’ll also need some toothpicks to hold everything together, as well as a baking sheet and some cooking spray. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will have you serving up delicious bacon wrapped scallops in no time. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients:

Before we start, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect bacon-wrapped scallops.

• 1 lb. fresh sea scallops – Try to buy the freshest scallops you can find, and make sure they have a sweet and briny aroma before cooking.
• 12 oz. bacon – Use thinner slices of bacon to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
• 2 tbsp. olive oil – For frying the scallops, and to ensure they don’t stick to the pan.
• 1 tsp. garlic powder – For seasoning the scallops
• 1 tsp. onion powder – Also for seasoning the scallops
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar – For an added sweetness that complements the saltiness of the bacon.
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika – Adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the bacon.
• 1 tbsp. parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any muscle tabs from the side of the scallops.

3. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise, so you have 24 pieces of bacon.

4. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar, and mix well.

5. Season each scallop with the spice mixture, making sure they’re coated evenly.

6. Wrap each seasoned scallop with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.

7. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

8. Transfer the pan into the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the scallops are cooked through.

9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before removing the toothpicks.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or spicy mayo.

Tips:

– Don’t overcook the scallops, or they’ll become rubbery and tough. Pay close attention to the timing when cooking them both on the stovetop and in the oven.

– Keep an eye on the bacon in the oven to make sure it doesn’t burn. Check on the bacon regularly, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

– Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to cook the scallops to prevent them from sticking.

– You can also grill the scallops instead of pan-frying them before baking in the oven.

– Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect pairing.

– Make sure your scallops and bacon are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.

– Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

– To make these bacon-wrapped scallops in advance, you can wrap and skewer the scallops the night before and store them in the fridge. Remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.

10 Steps to Make the Best Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Are you looking to bring a tasty seafood appetizer to your next dinner party or cook up something special for date night? Look no further than bacon-wrapped scallops! This combination of smoky bacon and succulent scallops is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for more. Here are ten easy-to-follow steps that will help you create the best bacon wrapped scallops:

Step 1: Choose the Right Ingredients

The key to making great bacon-wrapped scallops is to use quality ingredients. You’ll need fresh scallops, thick-cut bacon, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Be sure to select scallops that aren’t slimy or have a strong fishy odor.

Step 2: Thaw the Scallops

If using frozen scallops, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cool water for about an hour. You don’t want to cook them from frozen because they won’t cook evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half crossways to create shorter pieces. This makes it easier to wrap the bacon around the scallops and lets the bacon cook evenly.

Step 4: Season the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This helps bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Step 5: Wrap the Scallops

Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around the scallop, securing it with a toothpick. Remember to put the toothpick through the bacon and the scallop to keep the bacon from unraveling.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a layer of foil or parchment paper.

Step 7: Cook the Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Place the wrapped scallops on the baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are just cooked through.

Step 8: Broil for Crispiness

For an extra crispy layer, turn on your oven’s broiler and place the scallops under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Step 9: Remove Toothpicks

Once the bacon wrapped scallops are cooked, remove the toothpicks before serving. Be careful as they may still be hot!

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Place the scallops on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. Serve them immediately with some homemade aioli or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Ingredients

Making bacon wrapped scallops is easy and fun. The process involves many exciting steps and ingredients. However, before getting started, you will need to have all the necessary ingredients at your disposal. Assemble the following:

Preparing the scallops

The first step in creating the perfect bacon wrapped scallops is to get the scallops ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking tray with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Make sure the scallops are dry before placing them on the tray. Use a paper towel to pat them down. Once the scallops are dry, brush them lightly with olive oil to keep them moist throughout the cooking process.

Wrapping the scallops with bacon

After preparing the scallops, the next step is to wrap them with bacon. Each scallop should be wrapped with half a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon onto the scallop, making sure that it goes through both ends.

Arrange the bacon wrapped scallops on the baking tray, making sure that they are not touching each other. Once all the scallops are wrapped, season them with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance their flavor profile.

Baking the scallops

Place the bacon wrapped scallops into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy. It is important to check the scallops every 5-7 minutes to ensure that they are not overcooked.

Once the bacon wrapped scallops are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serving the scallops

Bacon wrapped scallops make a great appetizer or can be served as the main course. They pair well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. If you are serving a large crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.

In conclusion, bacon wrapped scallops are easy to make and a definite crowd-pleaser. Follow the simple steps and gather all the ingredients to make a dish that is sure to impress.

Enjoy your delectable bacon wrapped scallops!

Now that you know how to cook bacon wrapped scallops, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test. Impress your friends and family with this delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that you have learned valuable information on how to make this exquisite dish. Don’t forget to visit again for more fantastic recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!