Crispy Bacon Tender Scallops

There’s something truly special about serving perfectly cooked scallops; they instantly elevate any meal and impress guests. While they might seem like a gourmet challenge, mastering scallops is surprisingly straightforward, especially with this easy-to-follow recipe for Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Even novice home chefs can confidently prepare this delightful appetizer, earning accolades from family and friends.

These savory bites are ideal for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. They require only a handful of ingredients, with the key being high-quality sea scallops. Imagine biting into the salty, crispy bacon, perfectly contrasting with the tender, subtly sweet sea scallop within. This exquisite combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly memorable culinary experience.

The core secret to flawless bacon-wrapped scallops lies in selecting excellent sea scallops and handling them with care. Scallops are notoriously easy to overcook, which can render them rubbery. However, with careful attention during the quick broiling process, you can achieve perfectly cooked scallops every single time. Our method ensures they remain succulent and tender, encased in beautifully crisp bacon.

• The Secret to Perfection: Pre-Bake the Bacon. This is the most critical step for achieving succulent scallops with perfectly crispy bacon. Bacon takes significantly longer to cook than delicate scallops. If you try to cook them simultaneously, your scallops will inevitably become dry and rubbery while the bacon is still rendering. Pre-baking the bacon ensures it reaches the ideal crispness at the same time the scallops achieve their tender, opaque state.
• How to Pre-Bake Bacon. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack inside. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking. Arrange your bacon slices side-by-side on the rack. Bake for approximately 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. You want the bacon to be about two-thirds cooked and pliable, but not yet crispy. It should still be flexible enough to wrap around the scallops.
• Cool the Bacon Before Handling. Once par-cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This makes it much easier and safer to handle without burning your fingers, preparing it for the next step of wrapping.
• Prepare Your Scallops for Optimal Flavor. While the bacon cools, gently pat the sea scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is vital for getting a good sear and preventing a steamed texture. Then, create a delightful seasoning blend by combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops while adding a savory depth and a hint of caramelization during cooking. Season each scallop generously on all sides.
• The Art of Wrapping and Securing. Take a slice of your par-cooked bacon and carefully wrap it around the side of each seasoned scallop. The goal is to encase the scallop snugly. To ensure the bacon stays securely in place during broiling, thread a wooden toothpick through both the bacon and the scallop.
• PRO-TIP: If a piece of bacon is too long after wrapping, simply trim off the excess. Don’t waste these delicious scraps! You can dice the leftover bacon pieces and sear them until crispy, then use them as a flavorful garnish for salads, soups, or even scrambled eggs. Or, enjoy them as a chef’s treat!

• Broiling for Golden Crispy Results. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the top heating element. Turn on your broiler. If your oven offers both high and low broil settings, I strongly recommend using the low broil setting, especially for larger scallops. This provides a more even, gentle heat that cooks the scallops thoroughly without drying them out or burning the bacon.
• Cook to Perfection. Carefully place the bacon-wrapped scallops on the prepared wire rack. Broil for 6-8 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through with tongs. This ensures both sides of the bacon get wonderfully crispy and golden. You’ll know your scallops are perfectly done when the bacon is beautifully crispy and the scallops themselves are opaque all the way through. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them during these final crucial minutes.

Choosing the Best Scallops for Bacon Wrapping

The quality of your scallops is paramount to the success of this dish. Understanding the different types available and what to look for will make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of your appetizer.

• Sea Scallops: The Ideal Choice. These are the large, plump scallops you typically find, sometimes labeled as “jumbo” or “diver scallops.” Ranging from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, their substantial size makes them perfect for wrapping in bacon. Their generous flesh can withstand the cooking process alongside the bacon, remaining tender and juicy. They are also excellent for seared scallops or baked scallops.
• Dry Scallops vs. Wet Scallops: A Crucial Distinction. Always seek out scallops labeled “dry scallops”. These have not been treated with a sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) solution, a chemical commonly used to preserve and whiten scallops and allow them to absorb more water. Dry scallops will have a slightly darker, more natural color and a pure, sweet flavor. Crucially, they contain no excess liquid, which means they will sear beautifully and caramelize properly. Ask your fishmonger if they are “dry packed” if the label isn’t clear. While some natural liquid will still be present, it won’t be in excess.
• Avoid Wet Scallops. Scallops soaked in a chemical solution (wet scallops) have an unnaturally white appearance and are plumped with too much liquid. This excess water makes them difficult to sear properly, often resulting in a rubbery texture and a less intense flavor.
• Skip Bay Scallops. These are much smaller than sea scallops, typically less than half an inch in diameter. While delicious in other applications, they are too small for bacon wrapping. They would overcook and dry out long before the bacon has a chance to crisp up.

Using Frozen Scallops Successfully

While fresh seafood is always preferable, especially for delicate items like scallops, it isn’t always readily available. If fresh is not an option, frozen scallops can be a perfectly acceptable alternative, provided you choose and prepare them correctly.

• Opt for Flash-Frozen. When buying frozen scallops, look for those that have been “flash-frozen” as soon as possible after harvesting. This method rapidly freezes the scallops, locking in their freshness, flavor, and texture, making them a high-quality frozen option that closely mimics fresh seafood.
• Proper Thawing is Key. The most important step for using frozen scallops is proper thawing. Transfer the frozen scallops from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Resist the temptation to speed up the thawing process using hot water or a microwave, as this can negatively impact their texture and flavor.
• Thorough Drying. Once thawed, pat the scallops extremely dry with paper towels. Frozen scallops tend to release more liquid than fresh ones, so this step is even more critical. Remove as much moisture as possible to ensure they sear and broil effectively, preventing them from steaming instead of developing a beautiful crust. After thoroughly drying, proceed with the recipe as you would with fresh scallops.

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More Delicious Appetizers to Explore

If you loved these bacon wrapped scallops, you’re in for a treat! Explore our other impressive and easy appetizer recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From savory seafood to classic crowd-pleasers, you’ll find plenty more inspiration to delight your guests.

• Scallop Recipe with Cream Sauce
• Crispy Beer Batter Onion Rings
• Decadent Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
• Scallop Scampi Recipe (A zesty, garlic-infused delight)
• Fluffy Crab Puffs

This delectable Bacon Wrapped Scallops recipe was originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in May 2021, and has been updated for clarity and enhanced instructions.