If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a delightful main dish, look no further than Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. This dish perfectly combines the rich flavors of succulent sea scallops with the savory, crispy goodness of bacon, all elevated by a sweet and smoky seasoning that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself on a weeknight, these scallops are sure to impress.
Imagine indulging in tender scallops enveloped in a crispy bacon blanket, each bite bursting with flavor. The sweet brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the salty bacon and delicate scallops. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, meaning you can enjoy gourmet quality at home without breaking a sweat. Let’s explore why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are more than just a dish; they are an experience. Here’s why you should add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:
- Elevated Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet and smoky flavors enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, creating a dish that is both satisfying and sophisticated.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a delightful dish for a weeknight dinner, these scallops fit the bill perfectly.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this dish in the oven in no time. It’s perfect for busy home cooks!
- Impressive Presentation: These scallops are visually stunning, making them a great choice for entertaining guests. The vibrant colors and elegant presentation will wow your friends and family.
- Health Benefits: Scallops are a lean protein source, low in calories and high in essential nutrients. Paired with the right seasonings, they create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Have you ever been to a restaurant and ordered bacon-wrapped scallops, only to wonder how they achieve that perfect blend of flavors? Now, you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen! Here are compelling reasons to try Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops:
- Flavor Versatility: This recipe allows you to customize the seasoning to your taste. Whether you prefer it sweeter or spicier, you can adjust the ingredients to make it your own.
- Great Pairing Options: These scallops pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as a fresh Caesar salad or creamy pasta, making it easy to create a well-rounded meal.
- Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow while still offering a gourmet touch.
- Impressive Flavor Without Complication: You don’t need to be a culinary expert to impress your guests. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, ensuring you get rave reviews!
- Great for Meal Prep: These scallops can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping or entertaining.
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
To make Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 12 strips of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Utensils
Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the recommended utensils:
- Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Paper towels for drying scallops
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking brush or spoon for drizzling oil
- Oven mitts for safety
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients and tools. This will streamline your cooking experience and make the preparation fun.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these detailed steps to create your Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scallops cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent the scallops from sticking.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until well combined. This sweet and smoky seasoning blend will elevate the flavor of your scallops.
- Dry the Scallops: Pat the 12 large sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step as it helps the scallops sear better, resulting in a perfect texture.
- Wrap the Scallops: Take one strip of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half around a scallop, ensuring that the bacon fully encloses the scallop. If necessary, secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. This not only keeps the bacon intact while cooking but also adds a nice presentation.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. This allows the heat to circulate around each scallop, ensuring they cook thoroughly.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the scallops. This helps in achieving a crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Season the Scallops: Sprinkle the sweet and smoky seasoning mixture evenly over the tops of the scallops. Make sure each scallop is well-coated to maximize flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you may want to broil them for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the scallops cool for a couple of minutes. If you used toothpicks, carefully remove them at this stage to avoid any accidents. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve these delicious Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops warm as an appetizer or as part of a main dish. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Tips and Variations
While the classic Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are delightful as is, here are some tips and variations to customize your dish:
- Alternative Ingredients: Consider using turkey bacon for a leaner option, or try different spices like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Version: For a plant-based alternative, use large slices of eggplant or tofu instead of scallops, and wrap them in vegan bacon or leave them unwrapped. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Options: Ensure that your bacon is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Make sure to dry the scallops thoroughly to prevent steaming instead of searing. Also, avoid overlapping the bacon, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
Nutritional Values and Benefits
Understanding the nutritional value of Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops can help you appreciate this dish even more. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (3 scallops):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Sea scallops are not only low in calories but also high in protein, making them an excellent choice for a healthy meal. They contain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support heart health and boost metabolism. The addition of bacon adds flavor but also increases the dish’s fat content, so enjoy it in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but it’s essential to thaw them completely and pat them dry before wrapping with bacon. This will help them cook evenly and achieve the right texture.
What is the best way to cook scallops?
Scallops can be cooked in various ways, including baking, pan-searing, or grilling. For this recipe, baking provides an even cooking method while allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely.
How do I know when scallops are done cooking?
Scallops are done cooking when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. You can also check their internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can you make bacon-wrapped scallops ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped scallops ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to cook them the day you plan to serve them for the best flavor and texture.
What can I serve with bacon-wrapped scallops?
Bacon-wrapped scallops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or creamy risotto. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like aioli or a sweet chili sauce.
Conclusion
Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their crispy bacon exterior and tender scallop interior, these bites are bound to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and dipping sauces to make this recipe your own!
We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this dish, consider sharing it with friends or pinning it for later on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a sweet and smoky seasoning blend.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Take one strip of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half around a scallop, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the scallops and then sprinkle the sweet and smoky seasoning mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks if used.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
