Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a standout choice for any occasion. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare, offering a gourmet experience at home.

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

The star of this dish is the sea scallops, known for their delicate flavor and tender texture. Wrapping them in thick-cut bacon adds a salty, crispy contrast that is simply irresistible. The pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness, while the soy sauce enhances the umami depth. A dash of ground black pepper and smoked paprika provides a subtle kick and smoky aroma, respectively. Finally, a touch of olive oil ensures everything cooks to perfection without sticking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose large, uniform scallops to ensure even cooking.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the scallops for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
  • Soak toothpicks in water for a few minutes before using to prevent burning in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These scallops pair beautifully with a light, citrusy salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish’s flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before use.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the scallops cook evenly and allows the bacon to crisp up nicely.

In a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This mixture will serve as the glaze, infusing the scallops with flavor as they bake.

Take each scallop and wrap it with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

Once wrapped, brush the scallops lightly with olive oil. Then, coat them generously with the maple syrup mixture, ensuring each one is well covered.

Place the prepared scallops on the wire rack and slide them into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure the bacon crisps up on all sides. They're ready when the bacon is golden and crispy.

Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet maple and smoky bacon flavors.
  • Quick and simple, yet looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
  • Great for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
  • Flexible enough to be an appetizer or a main course.

Ingredients

12 large sea scallops
12 strips thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
Toothpicks

Step-by-step Instructions

1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2: In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3: Wrap each scallop with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4: Brush the scallops with olive oil, then coat with the maple syrup mixture.
5: Place scallops on the wire rack and bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
6: Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

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