Bacon Wrapped Citrus Scallops: A Symphony of Flavors

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted the magic of perfectly seared scallops. It was at a tiny seaside bistro in Maine, the salty air mingling with the aroma of grilling seafood. The chef, a weathered man with hands that told a thousand stories, presented a plate of scallops glistening with a citrusy glaze, wrapped in crisp bacon. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy was an explosion of flavor – a culinary revelation that has stayed with me ever since, and inspired me to recreate my own version of this delectable dish.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Pescatarian

Ingredients

• 12 slices bacon
• 24 large sea scallops
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh is best)
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Equipment Needed

• Medium skillet
• Saucepan
• Grill
• 6 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water)
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the bacon. Cut each slice in half. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 5-6 minutes, until partially cooked but still pliable. You don’t want it completely crispy at this stage, as it will continue to cook on the grill. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

2. While the bacon is cooking, prepare the scallops. Make sure they are dry by patting them down with paper towels. This will help them sear beautifully on the grill.

3. Wrap each scallop with a piece of the partially cooked bacon. Secure the bacon around the scallop by slightly overlapping the ends. The bacon should hug the scallop snugly, but not be overly tight.

4. Next, create the flavorful citrus-maple glaze. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, pour in the ¾ cup of maple syrup. Bring the syrup to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Cook, uncovered, for about 5 minutes, or until the syrup has reduced to approximately 2/3 cup. This reduction will concentrate the sweetness and give the glaze a richer consistency.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant with the aroma of citrus.

6. Prepare your grill. Coat the grill rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to assembling the scallops. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread 4 bacon-wrapped scallops onto each skewer.

8. Brush the scallops generously with the citrus-maple glaze, ensuring that both the scallops and the bacon are well coated.

9. Place the skewers onto the preheated grill. Grill the scallops for 4-6 minutes, turning once or twice, until the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch, and the bacon is crisp and golden brown. Continue to baste with the glaze as they cook. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become rubbery.

10. Once the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the grill. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the scallops! Scallops are best when they’re just cooked through. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. Look for an opaque color and a firm, slightly springy texture.
• Use high-quality bacon. The flavor of the bacon will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Choose a thick-cut bacon for a richer, smokier flavor.
• Fresh orange juice is key. While bottled orange juice can work in a pinch, fresh orange juice will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the glaze.
• Soak your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will prevent them from burning.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped scallops and citrus-maple glaze ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to grill. This is a great way to save time when entertaining.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Bacon Wrapped Citrus Scallops immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. They make an excellent appetizer or a light main course. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a wedge of orange for a pop of color.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the scallops in a skillet over low heat, or in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating. While freezing is possible, the texture of the scallops may be affected, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	403 kcal	20%
Total Fat	24.8g	38%
Saturated Fat	9.3g	46%
Cholesterol	60.8mg	20%
Sodium	505.2mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	29.6g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.1g	0%
Sugars	24.6g	N/A
Protein	15.4g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the citrus-maple glaze for a touch of heat.
• Different citrus: Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as lemon or grapefruit, in the glaze.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an earthy flavor.
• Bacon alternatives: For a leaner option, try using turkey bacon.
• Seafood swap: Shrimp can be used instead of scallops. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
A: While you could, it’s not recommended. The partially cooked bacon provides the best texture and adheres better to the scallops. Pre-cooked bacon might become too crispy and crumble.

Q: How do I know when the scallops are done?
A: Scallops are cooked through when they turn opaque and are firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The citrus-maple glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before using.

Q: Can I grill the scallops without skewers?
A: Yes, but it’s more challenging to flip them and keep the bacon wrapped around. If you choose to grill them directly on the grates, make sure the grates are very clean and well-oiled.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can cook these scallops in a skillet over medium-high heat. Be sure to use a skillet that can withstand high heat and is large enough to accommodate the scallops without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Wrapped Citrus Scallops are an absolute delight, bringing together the sweetness of maple, the tang of orange, and the savory smokiness of bacon. The succulent scallops provide the perfect canvas for these complementary flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and share your feedback! Pair these scallops with a crisp white wine or a refreshing citrus salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!