Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops

Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops Recipe - Delicious Seafood Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 16 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops is a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of tender sea scallops with crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a decadent and flavorful meal.

History

The combination of sea scallops and bacon has been a popular dish in many seafood restaurants for years. The salty and smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet and delicate taste of the scallops. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by adding a buttery wine sauce to enhance the flavors even more.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) sea scallops
0.33 lb (150 g) bacon, cut slices in half
0.25 lb (113 g) butter, melted
0.5 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp seasoned salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Melt the butter and wine together. Once melted, add the paprika and seasoned salt.
Drop the scallops into the melted wine and butter sauce.
Allow the scallops to marinate for about 30 minutes.
Wrap each scallop with a half piece of bacon and secure the bacon with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped scallops onto a baking pan and bake in the oven for about 8 minutes. Then, turn them over and continue cooking until done.

Variations

Substitute the bacon with prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the scallops before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the scallops in the buttery wine sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the scallops to ensure they stay in place while cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are opaque and firm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the preferred cooking technique for this recipe, as it allows the bacon to crisp up while the scallops cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of traditional bacon for a lighter option.

- Substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the scallops in the buttery wine sauce ahead of time and wrap them with bacon just before baking to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors of the scallops and bacon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sea scallops are a good source of vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (sea scallops) and pork (bacon), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, and minerals.

Summary

Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops is a decadent and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a buttery wine sauce, crispy bacon, and tender scallops, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1985 when I was visiting my dear friend Clara in the small coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine. Clara and I shared a passion for cooking and would often spend hours in her cozy kitchen experimenting with new recipes.

On this particular day, Clara suggested we head to the local seafood market to pick up some fresh scallops for dinner. As we browsed through the selection of seafood, my eyes landed on a package of jumbo sea scallops that were calling out to me. Clara noticed my interest and told me that she had a special recipe for bacon-wrapped scallops that she had learned from a friend who used to work at the Red Lobster restaurant.

Intrigued by the idea of combining succulent scallops with crispy bacon, I eagerly agreed to give the recipe a try. We gathered the ingredients we needed and headed back to Clara's kitchen to get to work.

Clara began by showing me how to prepare the scallops. She explained that it was important to remove the tough muscle from the side of each scallop before wrapping them in bacon. I watched intently as she deftly sliced through the scallops with a sharp knife, removing the muscle with ease.

Next, Clara showed me how to season the scallops with a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. She explained that the seasoning would enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops and complement the smoky flavor of the bacon.

With the scallops seasoned and ready to go, Clara demonstrated how to wrap each one in a strip of bacon. She explained that it was important to wrap the bacon tightly around the scallop to ensure that it cooked evenly and stayed in place during baking.

As we worked together to prepare the scallops, Clara shared stories of her time working at the Red Lobster restaurant in her youth. She reminisced about the busy kitchen, the camaraderie among the staff, and the joy of creating delicious dishes for hungry customers.

Once the scallops were wrapped in bacon and placed on a baking sheet, Clara popped them into the oven to bake. The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the finished dish.

After just a few minutes in the oven, the scallops emerged golden brown and crispy, the bacon perfectly cooked and the scallops tender and juicy. Clara plated the scallops beautifully, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

I took my first bite of the Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops and was instantly transported to seafood heaven. The combination of flavors was divine – the salty bacon, the sweet scallops, and the hint of garlic all came together in perfect harmony.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but marvel at how a simple recipe learned from a friend at a seafood market in Bar Harbor could bring me so much joy. I made a mental note to add this dish to my repertoire of favorite recipes and to share it with my family and friends back home.

Since that day in Clara's kitchen, I have made the Red Lobster Bacon-wrapped Sea Scallops many times, always with fond memories of that summer afternoon in Maine. The recipe has become a staple in my family, a dish that never fails to impress and delight.

I am grateful to Clara for introducing me to this delicious recipe and to the friend from Red Lobster who shared it with her. Cooking is not just about following instructions – it's about sharing stories, memories, and love through food. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.