Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Bacon Wrapped Scallops FAQs

You can’t go wrong with making bacon wrapped scallops for your next party or event. Here are some tips and tricks for how to make your bacon wrapped scallops sensational.

What Are the Best Scallops to Use?

You will want to use large sea scallops for this recipe. We would recommend using 10/20s or 20/30s. These are size classes used for scallops, which simply identify how many scallops to expect per pound i.e. 10/20 means 10-20 scallops per pound

Look for “dry” sea scallops, which means there are no chemicals or added water. This ensures the scallops will not purge that added water while cooking, allowing them to get crispy and showcase their natural scallop flavor. You should also pat them dry of any excess moisture with a paper towel before cooking them so they caramelize.

What is the Best Bacon for Bacon Wrapped Scallops?

While all bacon is good bacon, not all bacon is good for scallops wrapped in bacon. We recommend using center-cut bacon because it is shorter in length. Try to avoid thick-cut bacon since it will be difficult to wrap around your scallop.

How Do I Prevent the Bacon from Falling Off the Scallops While Cooking?

Scallops and bacon are a match made in heaven. But wrapping all that bacon around a delicate scallop can feel daunting. Use a small wooden skewer or toothpick to help keep the bacon securely wrapped during the cooking process.

Adding a sprinkle of water to the pan when pre-cooking the bacon ensures it does not dehydrate and remains “wrappable”. You never want it to be too crispy and brittle, so it’s important to only partially cook the bacon and let the oven or air fryer do the rest.

How Many Scallops Do I Need for a Main Course?

Typically, 4 scallops per person make for a hearty main course, while 2 scallops per person is a great appetizer portion.

Why Do I Need to Soak the Skewers in Water?

It’s important to soak the skewers in water so they do not get burned in the oven or air fryer. Bacon wrapped scallops are cooked at a relatively high heat, and you don’t want charred or burned skewers. 

Where Can I Buy Scallops?

Finding the best scallops for your recipe is a breeze with North Coast Seafoods. Our Naked Sea Scallops are available online for direct delivery and at select retail markets in New England. 

Naked Sea Scallops are harvested naturally in the North Atlantic Ocean. Every sea scallop is hand-shucked and individually flash-frozen at sea within minutes of catch to lock in maximum freshness.

We only offer dry scallops that are absolutely chemical-free with no water added.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Citrus BBQ Sauce

Bacon wrapped scallops are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines tender, juicy scallops with crispy, savory bacon. This recipe involves wrapping large sea scallops with half slices of bacon, securing them with toothpicks, and then baking them (or air frying) until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through. The result is a flavor-packed dish that's perfect for entertaining or serving as a party snack. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish make it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress your guests.

Servings: 6 people

Keywords:

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

• 14 Large Sea Scallops, patted dry of excess moisture
• 12 oz. package of Center cut, thin-cut bacon strips (about 14 slices)
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
• Toothpicks, soaked in water
• Fresh chives for garnish, chopped (optional)

Citrus BBQ Glaze

• ¾ cup Orange juice concentrate
• ¾ cup Chili sauce
• ¼ cup Brown sugar
• ¼ cup Soy sauce
• 2 tsp. Sesame oil

Instructions

Bacon

1. Pre-heat oven to 325°F.
2. Coat a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange bacon on sheet pan in a single layer.
3. Add a sprinkle of water to the pan (about 1 tbsp.) to ensure bacon does not dehydrate and remains “wrappable”.
4. Bake for 5-8 minutes until bacon is cooked, but not browned.

Citrus BBQ Glaze

5. Heat a small sauce pot on stovetop over low-medium heat.
6. Add orange juice concentrate, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. 
7. Whisk together well and keep at a low, steady simmer until thickened into a glaze, about 10 minutes. Do not boil. 
8. Remove from heat and keep at room temperature. Any extra glaze can be kept in the fridge for future use.

Wrapping and Cooking Scallops

9. Pre heat air fryer to 375°F. If baking, pre heat your oven to 400°F.
10. Soak toothpicks in water so they do not get burned in the air fryer.
11. Pat scallops dry of any excess moisture and gently peel adductor muscle from side of scallops. Discard adductor muscles.
12. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Wrap a slice of your pre-cooked bacon around each scallop and skewer with a toothpick through the middle. Repeat with remaining scallops.
13. Load scallops into air fryer or onto baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow scallops room to crisp.
14. AIR FRY: Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake to release scallops from tray. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes, until bacon is cooked through and crispy. BAKE: Bake for 10 minutes. You may broil for 1-2 minutes for an additional crisp.

Plating

15. Remove and allow scallops to cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to serving plate of your choosing. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives and drizzle with Citrus BBQ glaze.
16. Serve with additional Citrus BBQ glaze on the side.

Notes

- Look for “dry” sea scallops, which means there is no chemicals or added water.

- Use center cut bacon because it is shorter in length. Do not use thick cut bacon.

- Adding a sprinkle of water to the pan when pre-cooking the bacon ensures it does not dehydrate and remains “wrappable”.

- 4 scallops per person makes for a hearty main course, while 2 scallops per person is a great appetizer portion.