Indulge in the ultimate seafood experience with our mouthwatering Red Lobster Scallops and Bacon recipe! Imagine succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also impressively elegant. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be serving up a gourmet meal that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s dive into this irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures they will sear properly and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Use kosher salt for best flavor distribution.
- Cut bacon slices into halves or thirds, depending on the size of your scallops. You want the bacon to wrap around the scallop without overwhelming it.
- Carefully wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed to keep the bacon in place during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and just about to smoke.
- Gently place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat and spacing.
- Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side, allowing the bacon to crisp and the scallop to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Carefully flip each scallop and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove scallops from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the scallops just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the bacon is crisp and the scallops are tender and perfectly cooked.
Tips
- Dry Your Scallops: Always pat your sea scallops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust when searing.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the scallops, so be generous on both sides.
- Bacon Size Matters: Cut your bacon into halves or thirds to ensure it wraps snugly around the scallops without overpowering them. This balance is key for flavor harmony.
- Heat is Essential: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the scallops. The olive oil should shimmer, indicating it's ready for that perfect sear.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the scallops from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on your scallops while they cook. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve that crispy bacon and tender scallop texture.
- Finishing Touches: Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your scallops hot from the pan. This way, the bacon remains crispy, and the scallops are perfectly tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
