Best Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Bacon Wrapped Scallops are surprisingly easy to make at home but look so impressive! Crispy bacon strips are wrapped around fresh scallops, pan-seared in a skillet to get a golden crust and then topped with an irresistible garlic butter sauce. Skip the crowded restaurant this Valentine’s Day or holiday and make your own gourmet dinner at home!

Best Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Any time I am at a restaurant and scallops are on the menu I MUST order them.Especially if they’re Bacon Wrapped Scallops!

For something I love eating so much, why hadn’t I ever tried making them at home?

To be honest, they were quite intimidating and came with a hefty price tag!

But when I saw one of my friends (who swears she can’t cook!) whipping up some pan-seared scallops, I knew I had to give it a try.

Much like bacon wrapped asparagus or these brussels sprouts with bacon, everything gets better when they’re cooked with bacon!

Add a bit of a garlic, butter, and brown sugar sauce and voila! You’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on your table in no time.

Ingredients

• Scallops.You need one pound of large sea scallops (not bay), about 10-12 count per pound. The size of the scallops does matter.Wild, versus farm-raised, are the best scallops as they have slightly more nutrition without too much sacrifice on taste. It’s always better to use “Dry” scallops as “Wet” scallops have been injected with a phosphate solution that adds up to 30% more weight that’s just water.
• Bacon. The scallops will only taste as good as the bacon they are so lovingly wrapped up in so make a quality choice! If you happen to be on a Whole30, Paleo, or keto diet, look for a bacon that is prepared without nitrates or added sugar.
• Butter. Melted butter is crucial for the sauce. Whether you use salted or unsalted will affect how much salt to add.
• Garlic. Crushed whole garlic cloves are ideal. It is not recommended to substitute with garlic powder.
• Oil. A high smoke point oil, such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil, will help give scallops their crusty sear. Avoid using olive oil as it will get too smokey!

How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Prepare the Scallops

While scallops may initially look like they are ready to rock and roll straight from the grocery store, there are 2 steps you MUST follow before cooking them.

Almost all scallops have a tougher tendon that will need to be removed before cooking.You can find this by looking down on the scallop and locating a long, thin flap of harder meat.To remove it, simply peel it back like you would the peel of an orange.

In order to get a crust from a pan-sear, you will need to pat them completely dry.Any excess moisture will make the scallops have a mushy exterior instead of a crusty sear.

2. Par-Cook the Bacon

The bacon needs to be partially cooked before wrapping the scallops. Place the strips of bacon over medium or medium-low heat in a large skillet for 10-12 minutes.

The bacon slices should be almost cooked through but still pliable. If they are too crisp they will break while wrapping.

Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

(Learn more about how to cook bacon, bake bacon, or air fry bacon!)

3. Wrap them Up

Surround each scallop with one strip of bacon.

Use a toothpick or small wooden skewers to pierce through the sideat the ends of the bacon to hold it in place around the side of the scallop.

4. Pan Fry the Scallops

A clean, stainless steel skillet is the best type to use for pan-searing scallops. Make sure there are no leftover bits or pieces stuck to the bottom of the skillet from the bacon.

Place a skillet over medium to medium-low heat and drizzle in a high smoke point oil.You need to use adequate oil to keep the scallops from sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side in a single layerfor perfect scallops. Flip, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

If you are using smaller scallops they will only need to be cooked for 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Brush with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, melt butter, then stir ingarlic, sugar, salt, and pepper with a whisk. This ensures all of the flavors are evenly distributed.

During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking use a pastry brush to coat each scallop with the sauce.

Since butter has a relatively low smoke point, make sure not to add this until the last few minutes of cooking so it does not burn.

(Take it up a notch and use a Garlic Herb Butter!)

6. Serve Scallops

Scallops are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F and are surrounded by crisp golden bacon. Since they will continue cooking once removed from the heat, make sure you stop cooking them when they reach 115°F to 120°F and allow to rest. Overcooking leads to rubbery scallops.

Garnish these bacon-wrapped scallops with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges. These juicy scallops are a delicious appetizer for a dinner party or perfect as a main course.

FAQs

What to Serve with Scallops?

Pair these bacon wrapped scallops with one of these easy side dish ideas for an unforgettable meal.

Go green with Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan, Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus, or Honey Oven Roasted Broccoli.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese is so impressive.

You have to try these Duchess Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower, and Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower.

More Seafood Main Dish Recipes

Seafood is so good for you, and so delicious! Try any of these easy recipes next.

• Pistachio Crusted Salmon
• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Blackened Mahi Mahi
• Panko Crusted Salmon
• Blackened Shrimp