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American

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Sweet sea scallops wrapped in smoky bacon and broiled until caramelized

hot_biteMediumAmerican
Prep20 minCook15 minTotal35 minServes16Temphot
✓ gluten-free✓ dairy-free✓ keto✓ low-carb
⚠ Contains: 🦐 Shellfish
Recipe
Ingredients
  • 16large sea scallops(dry-packed, U-10 size)
  • 8 slicesbacon(thin-cut)
  • 2 tbspbutter(melted)
  • 1 tbspfresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbspfresh chives(minced)
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 16toothpicks(soaked in water)
Make Ahead

Wrap scallops ahead and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Broil just before serving.

Instructions
  1. 1Preheat broiler and position rack 6 inches from heat
  2. 2Par-cook bacon in skillet until starting to render but still pliable
  3. 3Cut each bacon slice in half
  4. 4Pat scallops completely dry
  5. 5Wrap each scallop with bacon half, secure with toothpick
  6. 6Arrange on broiler pan
  7. 7Broil 3-4 minutes per side until bacon is crispy and scallops are just cooked
  8. 8Mix melted butter with lemon juice
  9. 9Drizzle over scallops and sprinkle with chives and pepper
  10. 10Serve immediately
Notes
Pro Tips

Dry-packed scallops are essential - wet-packed won't caramelize. Par-cooking bacon prevents raw bacon with overcooked scallops. Don't overcook - scallops should be barely opaque in center. Thin-cut bacon crisps faster. Remove toothpicks or warn guests before serving.

History & Origin

Bacon-wrapped scallops epitomize the elegance of mid-century American cocktail party fare. The combination of sweet scallop and salty bacon became a steakhouse and catering staple. Despite being a classic, they remain impressive because they require some technique to execute perfectly.

Cocktail Pairings
Pairs Well With
champagnewhite-winemartinivodka
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American◆Medium