Let’s examine making one of my favorite appetizers: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce. This dish is not only indulgent but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. The combination of savory bacon and tender scallops creates a delightful flavor explosion that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Tender sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, drizzled with a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a harmonious blend of savory and citrus flavors.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 12 large sea scallops
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Partially cook the bacon slices by placing them on a baking sheet and baking for about 5–7 minutes until they are slightly cooked but still pliable. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of the partially cooked bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
5. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon-wrapped scallops to the skillet, seam side down, and sear for about 2–3 minutes until the bacon starts to crisp.
6. Carefully flip the scallops and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
7. While the scallops are baking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Stir in the lemon juice and white wine (if using), and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Once the scallops are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the scallops.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbs: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g

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To get started, let’s gather the ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• 12 large sea scallops
• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you have everything you need, let’s prepare the scallops. First, I recommend patting the scallops dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a beautiful sear when cooking. After drying, season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

Next, take your bacon slices and cut each slice in half. I like using thin-cut bacon for this recipe, as it tends to crisp up quickly. Now, wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. The bacon should fit snugly around the scallop without covering it entirely. Repeat this for all your scallops.

It’s time to cook! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the bacon-wrapped scallops into the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. I like to do this in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the scallops to a plate and cover them to keep warm.

Now, onto the lemon butter sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. To this, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly. I find that the brightness of the lemon perfectly balances the richness of the bacon and scallops.

To serve, place the scallops on a serving platter and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Your Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce are now ready to enjoy!

This dish is best served warm, so gather your guests and watch as they delight in every bite. I guarantee that these scallops will become a favorite in your household!

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