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Sweet and smokey, bacon-wrapped scallops are seasoned with brown sugar and paprika and broiled in the oven for the perfect caramelized finish. It’s an easy scallop recipe that involves rubbing the bacon with a thin coating of brown sugar and paprika for extra sweetness and a pinch of spice. It’s unique and totally delicious.
Bacon-wrapped scallops are one of the most beloved apps for a crowd. However, you could also incorporate this recipe into a fancy, date-night meal for two. I’m envisioning sweet and savory bacon-wrapped scallops served over parmesan risotto. That would be an epic combo!
Removing Scallop Side Muscle
Most scallops will have a chewy abductor muscle that resembles a rectangular tag of tissue on the side of the scallop. Remove the side muscle by simply pulling it off with your hands. Rinse the scallops under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning with salt.
How to Broil Scallops in the Oven
Broiling scallops in the oven is really easy and my preferred method for cooking scallops in the oven. I use a baking sheet lined with a wire rack so the fat can drip off the bacon and the scallops can cook more evenly. Large/jumbo scallops work best because they won’t overcook in the oven, giving the bacon enough time to fully cook and start to crisp.
It’s really important to place the scallops 8-10 inches under the heat source on high broil. Placing scallops too close to the coils will quickly result in burnt scallops. Broil for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for best results. Flipping the scallops helps create a better even sear on both sides.
There is no need to precook the bacon for this recipe. The broiler will generate enough intense heat to fully cook the scallops and also sear the bacon. The extra sugar will also render a quick candy coating that helps brown the bacon. If you’re looking for crunchy bacon, you will need to par-cook the bacon in a skillet to achieve the desired results.
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Sweet & Smokey Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 scallops 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Description
The ultimate savory app. Bacon-wrapped scallops coated with brown sugar and paprika. Broiled for a caramelized, smokey finish.
Ingredients
- 12 large/jumbo scallops, side muscle removed
- 1 pound regular-cut bacon, halved (not thick or thin sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler to high broil. If you don’t have a broil setting on your oven, turn it to 500°F. Note, broilers heat up fast so you may only need to turn the broiler on for 5 minutes before using it.
- Find the small flap of side muscle on the scallop and tear it off and discard. Rinse the scallops under cool water and dry them with a paper towel. Season generously with salt. Set aside.
- Combine brown sugar and paprika in a small bowl and mix until combined. If you want more smoke and heat, use 2 teaspoons of paprika.
- Slice bacon strips in half crossways with a knife or kitchen sheers. 1 slice of bacon will wrap 2 scallops. Rub each side of bacon with just enough brown sugar/paprika mix to lightly coat them. It should adhere nicely.
- Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure the two ends with a toothpick. You want the toothpick to pierce through both sides of the scallop.
- Place scallops on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Broil on high, 10 inches from the heat source for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Flipping ensures even cooking and also prevents one side from burning. Let rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
There is no need to precook the bacon for this recipe. The broiler will generate enough intense heat to fully cook the scallops and also sear the bacon. The extra sugar will also render a quick candy coating that helps brown the bacon. If you’re looking for crunchy bacon, you will need to par-cook the bacon in a skillet to achieve the desired results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 scallops
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Sodium: 976mg
- Fat: 16.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Carbohydrates: 6.6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 24.2g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Keywords: bacon wrapped scallops, broiled scallops recipe
I made these for the holidays and they were fantastic! So easy to make ahead and pop in the oven just before serving.
★★★★★