Why Make This Recipe for Scallops

1. Great Flavor: The combination of grilled scallops and bacon creates an irresistible and smoky flavor.
2. Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy these scallops grilled, baked, air fried, or pan-fried.
3. Gourmet Appeal: Bacon-wrapped scallops are sophisticated enough to impress your guests at dinners or parties.
4. Quick and Easy: Scallops cook quickly and require minimal preparation time.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of maple or applewood bacon, partially cooked (around 15 minutes via air frying, baking, or pan frying) and let cool
• 12 extra-large scallops
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon mixed Italian herbs (including parsley, oregano, and basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh dill weed

Instructions

1. Preheat the Cooking Equipment

   Preheat your gas grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Butter Mixture

   In a bowl, combine the melted butter with the Italian herbs, granulated garlic, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and cayenne if using).

3. Prepare the Bacon

   Cut the bacon into smaller strips that can fit comfortably over each scallop.

4. Setup for Cooking

   Lightly spray a piece of aluminum foil or a cast iron griddle with oil and place it on the grill.

5. Add the Scallops

   Arrange the scallops on the foil or in the pan.

6. Butter Them Up

   Brush the scallops with the prepared butter mixture, ensuring each is coated.

7. Grilling

   Grill the scallops for about 4-5 minutes, turning them over once halfway through.

8. Basting and Serving

   Baste once more with the butter mixture or drizzle the remaining butter over them as they finish cooking.

9. Cooking Alternatives

   These scallops can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for 7-8 minutes or air-fried at 425°F for 4-5 minutes. For pan-frying, cook until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.

10. Garnish

    Serve garnished with fresh dill weed for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

Tips and Suggestions

• To ensure your scallops are cooked perfectly, an internal temperature of 125°F is ideal. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
• Leftover scallops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a covered container.
• For reheating, the oven method is best; cover them with foil to maintain moisture.
• Consider adding toasted breadcrumbs on top for additional texture and flavor.
• To achieve a crispier bacon topping, broil the scallops for a few minutes after cooking.
• These scallops pair beautifully with sides like grilled asparagus, parmesan baked tomatoes, twice-baked potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, or shrimp risotto.