“Grill perfection: Savor the irresistible combination of succulent scallops and crispy bacon with our mouthwatering recipe for Bacon Wrapped Scallops on the Grill. Indulge in a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Discover how to achieve perfectly grilled, juicy scallops wrapped in smoky bacon, creating an exquisite appetizer or main course that is sure to impress any seafood lover.”
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Scallops are a delicate and tender shellfish that can be enjoyed raw but are even better when cooked or seared. When grilled, scallops develop a natural sweetness and their flavor intensifies. However, it is important not to overcook them as they can become rubbery and chewy. To know if scallops are done on the grill, look for a change in appearance from translucent to opaque and a slight springiness when poked with your finger.
When preparing this recipe for grilled bacon-wrapped scallops, it is essential to choose the right type of scallops. Opt for dry-packed scallops as they have more flavor compared to wet-packed ones. Additionally, select larger sea scallops rather than bay scallops as they can better withstand the bacon wrapping process without being overpowered. If fresh sea scallops are not available, frozen ones can be used after thawing them overnight in the refrigerator.
To ensure a delicious outcome, pat dry the scallops before cooking to promote browning and crust formation. Thinly sliced smoked bacon works best for wrapping the scallops, ensuring thorough cooking without overpowering their delicate flavor. After wrapping the scallops with bacon and securing them with toothpicks, place them on a preheated grill at 400°F. Brush the scallops with alder wood smoked maple syrup while cooking for about 4 minutes on each side.
Marshmallows of the Sea
Scallops are often referred to as the “marshmallows of the sea” because of their tender and delicate texture. While they can be eaten raw, they are usually better when cooked or seared on an open flame. Overcooking scallops can result in a rubbery and chewy texture, so it’s important to cook them just right.
When cooking scallops on the grill, it’s recommended to brush them with alder wood smoked maple syrup for a sweet and subtle smoky flavor. The maple syrup compliments the cherry smoke from the grill without overpowering the scallop’s natural sweetness. It’s also important to select dry scallops rather than wet ones, as dry scallops have more flavor and will caramelize better.
To cook scallops on the grill, preheat your grill to 400°F and place the scallops on a hot cook surface, such as directly on the grill grates or in a cast iron pan. Cook large sea scallops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they become opaque and no longer translucent. Smaller size scallops may require shorter cooking times of 2-3 minutes per side.
It’s important to note that while sea scallops are generally considered safe to eat raw or undercooked due to their clean nature, there is still a risk of foodborne illnesses associated with shellfish. To minimize this risk, it’s best to ensure that your scallops come from reputable sources and are handled properly before consumption.
Overall, cooking scallops on the grill can enhance their natural flavor and create a delicious dish. Just make sure not to overcook them for the best results.
Is it OK to Eat Under Cooked Scallops? Can you get sick?
It is not recommended to eat undercooked scallops as it can pose a risk of foodborne illnesses. Scallops can contain bacteria and parasites that can cause illness if not cooked properly. When scallops are cooked, the heat kills off any harmful bacteria and ensures that they are safe to eat. Eating raw or undercooked scallops increases the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
To ensure that scallops are fully cooked, it is important to cook them until they are opaque and no longer translucent in the center. The cooking time will depend on the size of the scallops and the cooking method used. On a grill, large sea scallops typically take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook thoroughly.
It is always best to follow proper cooking guidelines and ensure that seafood is cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid any potential health risks associated with undercooked food.
How to Cook Sea Scallops
Sea scallops are a delicate and tender seafood that can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, broiling, pan searing, or even deep-frying. When cooking sea scallops on the grill, it is important to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
To cook sea scallops on the grill, start by preparing your grill with charcoal or hardwood for a smoky flavor. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with a layer of fine gray ash before spreading them evenly over the bottom of the grill. For gas or pellet grills, preheat them to 400°F.
Before cooking the scallops, make sure they are dry by patting them with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper for added flavor. If using bacon to wrap around the scallops, choose thinly sliced bacon and cut each strip in half. Wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Brush alder wood smoked maple syrup onto the scallops as they cook on the grill. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are lightly browned and opaque. Overcooking will result in rubbery scallops, so make sure to pay attention to their appearance and feel. They should go from translucent to opaque and have a slight spring when poked with your finger.
Once cooked, remove the toothpicks from the scallops and serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or as an appetizer with another dish. The combination of smoky flavors from the grill and the sweetness of maple syrup will enhance the natural sweetness of the sea scallops.
In summary, cooking sea scallops on the grill requires proper preparation and attention to detail. With their delicate nature, it is important not to overcook them to avoid ending up with rubbery texture. By following these steps and using quality ingredients like dry-packed sea scallops and thinly sliced bacon, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful grilled scallop dish.
How To Select Sea Scallops
When selecting sea scallops, it is important to choose the right ones for the recipe. Look for larger scallops, as they work best in dishes like this bacon-wrapped grilled scallop recipe. Bay scallops are smaller and can be overpowered by the bacon.
It is also important to check whether the scallops are “wet packed” or “dry packed.” Wet scallops have been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), which preserves them but can make them retain more water. This can affect their flavor and ability to caramelize when cooked. Dry scallops, on the other hand, are preferred for a more flavorful and tasty result.
If fresh sea scallops are not available, frozen sea scallops can be used instead. They should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator on a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet.
Before cooking, it is crucial to pat the scallops dry to ensure better browning and crust formation on the surface. This will enhance their flavor and texture when grilled.
Overall, selecting the right size and type of sea scallop, whether fresh or frozen, and ensuring they are dry before cooking will help create delicious grilled scallops that are tender and full of flavor.
Wet or dry:
Scallops can be categorized as either “wet packed” or “dry packed.” Wet scallops are treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to preserve them, but this also causes the scallops to retain more water. As a result, wet scallops do not caramelize well and have less flavor. On the other hand, dry scallops are preferred for their tastier and more flavorful profile. When selecting scallops at the market, it is important to ensure that they are dry. Dry scallops will brown better and develop a better crust when cooked.
For this recipe, it is recommended to choose larger sea scallops rather than smaller bay scallops. Bay scallops tend to be smaller and can be overpowered by the bacon. Additionally, the bacon strips used in this recipe may be too large for the smaller bay scallops. If fresh sea scallops are not available, frozen sea scallops can be used instead. In that case, it is necessary to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator on a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet with parchment paper covering them.
When cooking sea scallops on a grill, each side should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes for larger scallops. It is essential not to overcook them as they can become rubbery if cooked for too long. The appearance and feel of the scallop can indicate its doneness – it should go from translucent to opaque in color and have a slight springiness when touched with your finger.
Size matters:
Size matters:
When it comes to scallops, size does matter. The recipe recommends using larger sea scallops for the best results. Bay scallops, which are smaller in size, can easily be overpowered by the bacon and may not cook properly with the larger strips of bacon. So, if you want to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, opt for the larger sea scallops.
Additionally, when selecting your sea scallops at the store, look for ones that are dry packed rather than wet packed. Wet packed scallops have been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), which helps them retain more water but also affects their flavor and ability to caramelize. Dry scallops, on the other hand, are preferred for a more flavorful and tasty result.
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen sea scallops, it’s important to pat them dry before cooking. This helps remove any excess moisture and allows for better browning and crust formation on the surface of the scallops.
In summary, choose larger sea scallops over bay scallops for this recipe, opt for dry packed rather than wet packed scallops, and make sure to pat them dry before cooking. These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked and deliciously flavored grilled scallops wrapped in bacon.
Fresh or frozen sea scallops
Fresh or frozen sea scallops are the main ingredient in this recipe. Scallops are delicate and tender with a natural sweetness and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It is important to note that if you overcook them, they will become chewy and rubbery. Cooking these on the grill with fruit hardwoods allows them to soak up a smoky flavor, but they can also be cooked in other ways such as broiling, pan searing, grilling, or even deep-frying.
When selecting sea scallops at the store, it is recommended to look for larger scallops for this recipe. Bay scallops are smaller and may be overpowered by the bacon used in this dish. It is also important to make sure your scallops are dry when purchasing them. Wet scallops are treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), which preserves them but also makes them retain more water. Dry scallops are preferred for a more flavorful outcome.
If you cannot find fresh sea scallops, frozen ones can be used instead. To thaw frozen scallops, place them on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and cover with parchment paper. Leave them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
Before cooking the scallops, it is important to pat them dry to ensure they brown well and develop a good crust on the surface. Thinly sliced smoked bacon is recommended for wrapping around the scallops. Thicker bacon may not cook well over the grill and could result in overcooked scallops.
To cook the bacon-wrapped scallops, place them on a hot cooking surface such as a grill, cast iron pan, baking sheet in the oven, or fryer. Cook large sea scallops for about 3-4 minutes on each side or a total of 6-8 minutes until they become opaque and are no longer translucent.
These sweet smoky scallops can be served as an entrée, at a tapas party, or as an appetizer to accompany another dish. They pair well with grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or root vegetables, as well as side dishes such as cheesy air fryer potatoes.
In summary, fresh or frozen sea scallops are the star of this recipe. It is important to cook them properly to avoid them becoming rubbery. The choice between wet and dry scallops is personal preference, but dry scallops are recommended for better flavor. Thaw frozen scallops before cooking and pat them dry for a better crust. Use thinly sliced smoked bacon for wrapping the scallops and cook them until they become opaque and no longer translucent. Enjoy these delicious scallops with various side dishes or on their own.
About the bacon
About the bacon:
In this recipe, thinly sliced bacon is used to wrap the scallops. It is important to select a bacon that is not too thick, as it may not cook well over the grill and could risk overcooking the scallop. The goal is to achieve thoroughly cooked bacon, not overly crunchy. Smoked bacon is preferred for its added flavor, but be cautious about using maple-flavored bacon, as we will be brushing maple syrup on the scallops and do not want to overpower their taste. To ensure that the bacon does not overpower the delicate flavor of the scallop, it is recommended to cut each bacon slice in half so that it only wraps around the scallop once. Using a double layer of bacon may result in an overwhelming taste and incomplete cooking.
How to Wrap Scallops in Bacon
To wrap scallops in bacon, start by preparing your scallops. Make sure they are dry by patting them with paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to season them.
Next, take half a strip of bacon and wrap it around each scallop. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place so it doesn’t unravel during cooking.
Once your scallops are wrapped in bacon, they are ready to be cooked. You can grill them over charcoal or on a cast iron pan, bake them in the oven, or fry them in oil.
Cook the scallops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and no longer translucent. The bacon should be cooked thoroughly but not overly crunchy.
After cooking, remove the toothpicks from the scallops and serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or as an appetizer with another dish.
Remember to use thinly sliced bacon that is smoked but not overly flavored, as you don’t want to overpower the delicate flavor of the scallops. Enjoy!
How do you know when scallops are done on the grill?
When grilling scallops, it is important to know when they are done to ensure they are cooked properly and not overcooked. One way to determine if scallops are done on the grill is by their appearance and texture. They will go from a translucent color to opaque as they cook. You can also check for a “spring” or bounce when you poke them with your finger. If they feel firm and spring back slightly, they are likely done.
Another way to know if scallops are done on the grill is by their cooking time. Large sea scallops typically take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook on a hot grill, for a total of 6-8 minutes. Smaller size scallops may require less cooking time, around 2-3 minutes per side.
It is important not to overcook scallops on the grill as they can become rubbery and chewy. Overcooking can also result in loss of flavor and tenderness. It is recommended to keep an eye on the cooking time and appearance of the scallops to ensure they are cooked just right.
Once the scallops are done on the grill, you can serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or as an appetizer with other dishes. The combination of smoky flavors from grilling and the sweetness of the scallops makes for a delicious meal or snack option.
What Goes With Scallops?
Scallops are a versatile seafood that can be paired with a variety of dishes and flavors. When deciding what to serve with scallops, it’s important to consider the delicate and sweet flavor of the scallops and not overpower them. Here are some suggestions for what goes well with scallops:
1. Grilled vegetables: Scallops pair well with grilled vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or root vegetables. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the sweetness of the scallops.
2. Side dishes: Scallops can be served alongside side dishes such as cheesy air fryer potatoes or a fresh garden salad. These dishes provide a balance of flavors and textures.
3. Citrus-based sauces: A citrus-based sauce such as lemon butter or orange glaze can enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering them.
4. Light pasta dishes: Scallops can be served on top of light pasta dishes like angel hair pasta with garlic and olive oil or lemon caper pasta. The lightness of the pasta complements the delicate flavor of the scallops.
5. Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs well with scallops, providing a rich and creamy base for the seafood.
Remember to consider the cooking method when choosing accompaniments for scallops. Grilled, broiled, or pan-seared scallops may benefit from different flavor profiles than deep-fried scallops. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing for this delicious seafood dish!
In conclusion, bacon wrapped scallops on the grill offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The smoky aroma and crispy bacon perfectly complement the tender and succulent scallops. Whether as an appetizer or main course, this dish is sure to impress guests with its simplicity and deliciousness. Perfect for any gathering or summer barbecue, these grilled scallops wrapped in bacon are a true crowd-pleaser.
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