Scallops and Bacon: A Match Made in Heaven

Scallops and bacon are two ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When cooked together, they create a delicious blend of salty and sweet flavours that is hard to resist.

Whether you are preparing a fancy dinner for a special occasion or just looking for a quick and easy meal, scallops and bacon are a great option.

Preparing Your Scallops and Bacon

Before you start cooking your scallops and bacon, it is important to ensure that they are both fresh and of high quality.

Look for scallops that are firm and have a sweet, ocean-like scent. For the bacon, choose a high-quality brand that is thick-cut and has a good balance of fat and meat.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

There are several ways to cook scallops and bacon, including grilling, pan-searing, and baking.

When cooking scallops, it is important to avoid overcooking them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Bacon, on the other hand, can be cooked to your preferred level of crispiness.

One popular technique for cooking scallops and bacon together is to wrap the scallops in bacon and then grill or bake them.

Key Takeaways

• Scallops and bacon make a delicious combination when cooked together.
• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops and thick-cut bacon for best results.
• Avoid overcooking scallops and experiment with different cooking techniques to find your favourite.

Preparing Your Scallops and Bacon

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Before you start preparing your scallops and bacon, make sure to choose the right ingredients.

When it comes to scallops, you can choose between sea scallops and bay scallops. Sea scallops are larger and meatier, while bay scallops are smaller and sweeter.

Fresh scallops are always the best option, but if you can't find them, frozen scallops are a good alternative.

For the bacon, you can use any type of bacon slices you prefer. However, it's important to note that thicker slices work better for wrapping the scallops.

Other ingredients you'll need include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. These simple ingredients will enhance the flavour of your scallops and bacon.

Essential Equipment for Cooking

To cook scallops and bacon, you'll need some essential equipment.

A non-stick frying pan is a must-have, as it will prevent the scallops and bacon from sticking to the pan.

You'll also need a pair of tongs to flip the scallops and bacon while cooking. A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the bacon into strips and preparing the scallops.

Make sure to have a paper towel handy to blot the scallops and bacon dry before cooking. This will help prevent the scallops and bacon from becoming soggy.

Lastly, a baking tray or oven-safe dish is needed to cook the scallops and bacon in the oven if you choose to do so.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Mastering the Sear

When cooking scallops, achieving the perfect sear is key.

To get a nice golden crust, make sure your scallops are completely dry before cooking.

Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or clarified butter.

Once the skillet is hot, add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan as this will cause the scallops to steam instead of sear.

Wrapping and Securing Bacon

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a classic appetizer that's easy to make.

To wrap the scallops, cut bacon slices in half and wrap each piece around a scallop. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.

For an extra flavourful twist, brush the scallops with honey or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before wrapping with bacon.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once your scallops are cooked, finish them off with a drizzle of lemon juice or a garlic butter sauce.

To make garlic butter sauce, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serve the scallops hot with the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the top.

Bacon-wrapped scallops can be served as a main course with rice or mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer with a simple arugula salad.

For a crowd-pleaser, try serving them alongside a steak or filet mignon.

Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick weeknight meal.

To prevent the scallops from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a bacon grilling rack. Garnish with fresh parsley and roasted asparagus for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a gluten-free and low-carb seafood appetizer that's perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Depending on the recipe and serving size, they can range from 150-300 calories per serving. Check the recipe card or nutrition facts for more information on prep time, cook time, total time, yield, and rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook bacon-wrapped scallops in a frying pan?

Cooking bacon-wrapped scallops in a frying pan is easy. First, heat some oil in the frying pan over medium heat.

Then, add the bacon-wrapped scallops and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What's a good recipe for scallop and bacon pasta?

For a tasty scallop and bacon pasta dish, cook some pasta according to the package instructions.

In a separate pan, cook some bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add some chopped garlic and cook for a minute.

Add some scallops and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the scallops and garlic, and toss everything together.

Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the top. Serve and enjoy!

Can you share the steps for making scallops and bacon in the oven?

To make scallops and bacon in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wrap each scallop in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What's the secret to the Barefoot Contessa's bacon-wrapped scallops?

The Barefoot Contessa's bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is simple yet delicious.

To make them, wrap each scallop in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Then, sprinkle some brown sugar over the top of each bacon-wrapped scallop.

Bake in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What sauces pair well with bacon-wrapped scallops?

Bacon-wrapped scallops pair well with a variety of sauces. Some popular options include garlic butter sauce, lemon butter sauce, and sweet chili sauce.

You could also try serving them with a simple aioli or mayonnaise-based sauce.

Is it necessary to soak scallops in milk before cooking, and if so, why?

Soaking scallops in milk before cooking is a common technique that some people swear by. The idea is that the milk helps to remove any fishy taste or odor from the scallops.

However, it's not necessary to soak scallops in milk before cooking, and many chefs prefer not to do so. If you do decide to soak your scallops in milk, simply place them in a bowl of milk for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.