Description

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – These tender scallops are wrapped in smoky bacon for a double-dose of flavor. They’re the perfect paleo appetizer or special occasion dinner! (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Whole30)

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. large jumbo scallops (Mine are 16–20 size*)
8–10 slices bacon** (You’ll use 1/2 a slice per scallop)
1/4–1/2 tsp. salt
1/4–1/2 tsp. pepper

Optional, for garnish: fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, dill, or cilantro.

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Instructions

Place 16-20 toothpicks in a small bowl or cup of water (helps prevent scorching in the oven)
Arrange a rack in the center of your oven.
Line a baking sheet with foil (optional, to catch the drippings) and top with a metal cooling rack (to promote more even cooking and crisper bacon).
Preheat the broiler.
Working in batches, par-cook the bacon slices for 2-3 minutes in a pan on medium heat on the stovetop (just till opaque, but not crisp) or place on a plate lined with paper towels and microwave 3-4 slices at a time for 1 minute. Repeat until all bacon is par-cooked. It should still be flexible.
Optional: sprinkle par-cooked bacon slices with a bit of pepper.
Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut all bacon strips in half lengthwise (the long way).
Pat scallops dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle scallops generously with salt and pepper.
Wrap the scallops with bacon. Take 1 strip of bacon (remember to cut it in half lengthwise first) and wrap tightly around the outside of the scallop. Secure the end by pressing a toothpick through the loose end all the way through the scallop. Repeat until all scallops are wrapped.
Arrange scallops on the wire rack on the baking sheet, spaced evenly apart to allow for good air circulation.
Place on middle rack in the oven and broil 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is crisping. (For even cooking, rotate pan halfway through the cook time)
Garnish with additonal salt, pepper, and fresh herbs as desired.

Notes

*16-20 refers to how many scallops per pound. If you’re buying frozen scallops, the bag will give you a size range. If yours are smaller (meaning a higher number per pound), you may need more bacon and/or a shorter cook time.

**If you’re following Whole30, be sure to use program-approved bacon (sugar free, nitrate-free/uncured)

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
Method: Broil
Cuisine: American