Description
A delicious recipe for pan-seared bacon-wrapped scallops that are crispy on the outside and tender inside, flavored with a buttery garlic sauce and lightly sweetened with brown sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 9 ounces bacon or 10 strips
- 1 pound large scallops (about 10-12 count per pound)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-smoke point oil
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat, cook the bacon strips for 10-12 minutes until almost cooked through but still pliable. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare scallops: Remove the tough tendons (side muscles) from each scallop and pat them dry with paper towels. Wrap one strip of bacon around each scallop and secure with a toothpick.
- Make the butter garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Sear the scallops: Clean the skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium to medium-low heat. Cook the bacon-wrapped scallops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until their internal temperature reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, brush the scallops with the butter garlic sauce.
- Rest and serve: Remove scallops from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. Once internal temperature reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit, the scallops are ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use larger dry sea scallops rather than wet scallops for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook scallops; remove them before fully done as they continue cooking while resting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm scallops in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes instead of microwaving to maintain texture and bacon crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
