Why Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Kebabs?
Before jumping into the recipe, let's first talk about why this combination works so well. Bacon and scallops create an irresistible contrast of flavors. Scallops are soft, tender, and have a mild, sweet flavor, while bacon is salty, crispy, and full of umami. Together, they make a match made in heaven. Wrapping scallops in bacon ensures that the bacon’s fat renders into the scallops as they cook, infusing them with flavor and helping to keep them moist and juicy. When threaded onto skewers and grilled, the kebabs develop a smoky, charred flavor that adds another layer of deliciousness.
Key Ingredients
To make bacon-wrapped scallop kebabs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Scallops
Type: Fresh, large sea scallops work best for this recipe. Avoid small bay scallops, as they may cook too quickly and become rubbery before the bacon has a chance to crisp.
Quantity: Plan on about 3-4 scallops per skewer, depending on their size. A pound of scallops will make around 6-8 kebabs.
2. Bacon
Type: Thin-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping around scallops, as it cooks more quickly than thick-cut bacon. You want it to crisp up without overcooking the scallops.
Quantity: Use one strip of bacon for each scallop.
3. Wooden or Metal Skewers
If using wooden skewers: Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
4. Olive Oil
This helps prevent the kebabs from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle richness to the scallops.
5. Seasoning
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Garlic Powder or Paprika: Optional, for extra flavor.
6. Lemon
Fresh lemon wedges for serving add a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the bacon and scallops.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Kebabs
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Begin by prepping the scallops. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important that the scallops are dry so that they sear nicely on the grill and the bacon crisps properly. If the scallops have a small side muscle (the “foot”) still attached, gently peel it off, as it can be tough when cooked.
Step 2: Season the Scallops
Once the scallops are dry, season them lightly with salt and pepper. Since the bacon is salty, you don’t need too much salt—just enough to bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops. If you want an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or paprika on the scallops.
Step 3: Wrap the Scallops in Bacon
Cut your bacon strips in half if they’re too long. Take each scallop and wrap it snugly in a slice of bacon. Make sure the bacon wraps all the way around, but don’t overlap too much to ensure even cooking. Secure the bacon in place by threading a skewer through the middle of the scallop and bacon wrap. Place 3-4 bacon-wrapped scallops on each skewer, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
While you assemble the kebabs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are evenly spread out for consistent heat. For a gas grill, preheat all burners. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent the scallops from sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Once the grill is ready, place the bacon-wrapped scallop kebabs on the grill. Grill the kebabs for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning once halfway through. The bacon should become crispy, and the scallops should be opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the kebabs are done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add brightness and cut through the richness of the bacon. You can also garnish the kebabs with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped scallop kebabs are versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:
1. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent accompaniments. Their smoky flavor complements the bacon and scallops.
2. Rice Pilaf or Quinoa
A light rice pilaf or quinoa salad adds a wholesome element to the meal without overpoweringthe main dish.
3. Green Salad
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the kebabs and adds a refreshing crunch.
4. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread
Serve with some garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up any delicious juices from the scallops.
5. Dipping Sauces
Consider serving the kebabs with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, lemon butter, or a tangy mustard sauce to elevate the flavors even more.
Variations and Tips
If you want to experiment with the recipe or adapt it to suit your taste, here are some variations and tips:
1. Add Veggies to the Skewers
Try threading small cherry tomatoes, chunks of bell pepper, or slices of onion between the bacon-wrapped scallops for added flavor and texture.
2. Use Prosciutto Instead of Bacon
For a more delicate, less smoky flavor, you can use thin slices of prosciutto instead of bacon. Prosciutto cooks faster than bacon, so you’ll need to reduce the grilling time slightly.
3. Marinate the Scallops
For extra flavor, marinate the scallops in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15-30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon.
4. Oven-Baked Option
If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the bacon-wrapped scallop kebabs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the kebabs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped scallop kebabs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a favorite at your next cookout or dinner party. Whether grilled to perfection or baked in the oven, these kebabs deliver a combination of rich, savory bacon and sweet, tender scallops that’s hard to resist. Enjoy!
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