Easy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 09/24/20
Bacon-wrapped scallops

The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
29 Calories
0g Fat
1g Carbs
5g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 29
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 159mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 5g
Calcium 2mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This combination of scallops and bacon is a snap to prepare, and the presentation is impressive.

Just wrap partially cooked bacon around a scallop, season, and then broil for a few minutes. You'll have a tasty, elegant appetizer your guests will love. The recipe may also be fixed with large or jumbo shrimp.

1:31

Click Play to See This Easy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 24 large sea scallops (about 2 pounds)
  • 12 slices bacon (partially cooked)
  • Dash seasoned pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Easy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops ingredients
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  2. Cook bacon gently until partially cooked but not crisp and still flexible.

    Bacon on baking sheet
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  3. Rinse scallops under running cold water, pat dry with paper towels. If you notice any tag-like pieces on the side of the scallops, this is a tough muscle and should be removed. Just pinch it with your fingers to remove.

    Scallops in a strainer
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  4. Cut each bacon slice crosswise in half; wrap each half around a scallop and secure with a toothpick.

    Bacon wrapped scallops
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  5. Sprinkle scallops lightly with seasoned pepper. Preheat broiler.

    Bacon wrapped scallops with pepper
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  6. Place scallops on a rack in broiling pan.

    Bacon wrapped scallops on a broiler pan
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  7. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until scallops turn opaque throughout, using tongs to turn scallops frequently so the bacon browns evenly on all sides.

    Broiled bacon wrapped scallops
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  8. Serve as an appetizer or an entrée.

    Bacon wrapped scallops
    The Spruce

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.

Tips

  • You might come across scallops labeled "wet" or "dry." Wet scallops have been soaked in a phosphate bath, which adds plumpness and water. Dry scallops are natural and will not look as white. You might only find wet scallops locally, but if you can choose between them, choose dry or untreated.
  • Instead of pan-frying the bacon, try baking it. Just line a baking pan with parchment or fit it with a rack.

Recipe Variations

  • Replace the seasoned pepper or lemon pepper with a light sprinkling of Creole or Cajun seasoning or a salt-free seasoning for seafood.
  • Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, or choose uncured bacon.