Bacon-wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped Scallops Recipe - Delicious American Seafood Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a luxurious appetizer that combines the sweet, tender taste of scallops with the crispy, salty flavor of bacon. This dish is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a sophisticated starter for a romantic dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe a favorite among seafood and bacon lovers alike.

History

The exact origins of bacon-wrapped scallops are hard to pinpoint, as both ingredients have been staples in various cuisines for centuries. However, the practice of wrapping food in bacon to add flavor and fat content likely originated in Europe and has been a culinary technique for hundreds of years. The popularity of bacon-wrapped scallops in modern cuisine can be attributed to the rise of fusion cooking and the desire to blend different culinary traditions to create innovative and delicious dishes.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of regular sliced bacon (not thick)
2 lb (907 g) of sea scallops (if very large, cut in half)
3 tbsp of butter
1 tbsp of minced garlic
0.33 cup of chicken broth

How to prepare

Cut the bacon strips in half.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each scallop and secure it with a toothpick.
Arrange the wrapped scallops on a baking sheet.
Broil the scallops 5 inches from the heat for 3 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crisp.
In a small skillet, melt the butter; add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the broth and bring it to a boil.
Cook for 2 minutes.
Place the scallops in a large bowl; pour the broth over them and gently toss to coat.

Variations

For a sweeter variation, brush the bacon-wrapped scallops with maple syrup before broiling.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the scallops before wrapping them in bacon for a spicy kick.
Substitute the chicken broth with white wine for a more sophisticated flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when making bacon-wrapped scallops, consider the following tips:

- Use sea scallops for their larger size and sweeter flavor.

- If the scallops are very large, cutting them in half can help ensure that both the bacon and scallops cook evenly.

- Partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops to achieve a crispier texture without overcooking the scallops.

- Secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place during cooking.

- Broil the scallops close to the heat source to crisp the bacon quickly without overcooking the delicate scallops.

Serving Suggestions

Serve bacon-wrapped scallops on a platter with lemon wedges and a light drizzle of the garlic-butter sauce. They can also be served atop a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial appetizer or starter.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling is the recommended cooking technique for this recipe as it quickly crisps the bacon while keeping the scallops tender. However, these can also be grilled over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor or pan-seared for convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative to regular bacon.

- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce.

- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The scallops can be wrapped in bacon and stored in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Prepare the garlic-butter sauce just before serving to ensure the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a slate board or a bed of coarse sea salt. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Bacon-wrapped scallops pair well with light, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water garnished with cucumber or lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the scallops.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of bacon-wrapped scallops contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a relatively calorie-dense appetizer. The exact calorie count will depend on the size of the scallops and the type of bacon used.

Carbohydrates

Bacon-wrapped scallops are relatively low in carbohydrates, making them a suitable appetizer for low-carb and ketogenic diets. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the small amount of chicken broth used in the sauce. Each serving contains approximately 2-3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is relatively high in fats due to the bacon and butter used in the recipe. The fats are a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. The exact amount of fat per serving will vary depending on the type of bacon and the size of the scallops, but you can expect around 10-15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein, and bacon adds additional protein to the dish. Together, they make this appetizer a good source of high-quality protein. Each serving of bacon-wrapped scallops provides approximately 20-25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Scallops are rich in several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain trace amounts of iron, zinc, and selenium. The bacon adds some additional minerals, such as sodium and zinc.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are shellfish (scallops) and dairy (butter). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish.

Summary

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a decadent appetizer that offers a good balance of protein and fats, with minimal carbohydrates. They are rich in several important nutrients but also high in calories and contain potential allergens.

Summary

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a sumptuous appetizer that combines the sweetness of scallops with the savory crunch of bacon. This dish is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals. With various serving suggestions and the ability to make ahead, it's a versatile recipe perfect for any special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her beach house. We had spent the morning exploring the local farmers market, picking up fresh produce and seafood for our dinner that evening. As we walked along the stalls, the smell of sizzling bacon caught my attention, and I followed my nose to a small stand where a friendly vendor was selling bacon-wrapped scallops.

I had never tried this dish before, but the combination of crispy bacon and tender scallops seemed too irresistible to pass up. Margaret saw the look of curiosity on my face and insisted that we buy a few to share. We sat on a bench overlooking the ocean, watching the waves crash against the shore as we savored each bite of the delicious scallops.

As we finished our meal, Margaret turned to me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "You have to learn how to make these. They're too good to only enjoy on special occasions." And so, my quest to master the art of bacon-wrapped scallops began.

I spent the rest of the weekend watching the vendor at the farmers market prepare his famous dish, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. When I returned home, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen, determined to recreate the magic I had experienced at the beach.

The first few attempts were less than successful. The bacon was either undercooked or burnt, and the scallops were tough and rubbery. But I refused to give up, knowing that with practice and perseverance, I could perfect this recipe.

I turned to my trusty collection of cookbooks and online resources, scouring them for tips and techniques on how to achieve the perfect bacon-wrapped scallops. I experimented with different types of bacon, varying the cooking times and temperatures, and tweaking the seasoning to find the right balance of flavors.

After many trials and errors, I finally landed on the winning combination. Thick-cut bacon, wrapped snugly around plump, juicy scallops, seasoned with a hint of garlic and lemon zest. Baked to perfection in a hot oven until the bacon was crispy and the scallops were tender and succulent.

I couldn't wait to share my success with Margaret, who had been my inspiration from the very beginning. She was delighted to taste my version of the dish that had sparked my culinary journey and praised me for my dedication and perseverance.

From that day on, bacon-wrapped scallops became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I prepared them, I would think back to that warm summer day at the beach house, where my love for this dish was born.

And now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy and satisfaction in making and sharing these bacon-wrapped scallops as I have. May they bring you closer to your loved ones and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Bon appétit!