How to Make Scallops Wrapped in Bacon

Learning how to make scallops wrapped in bacon is easy enough for novices to try. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform basic scallops into a delectable meal. There are several ways to make scallops wrapped in bacon. Although the basic recipe may change depending on the chef, the result is the same: bacon-y goodness wrapped around a tender shellfish center and crisped until golden brown. Serve with rice and an elegant side vegetable, and you have the perfect gourmet meal.

Gather the ingredients to make bacon wrapped scallops. Be sure to have everything on hand so you're not running out to the store at the last second.

You'll need the following:

• Ceramic or glass bowl to marinade the scallops
• Measuring cup and spoons
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 fresh lemon
• About a pound of good quality bacon (applewood smoked bacon is great)
• Long toothpicks or skewers
• 1 pound of sea scallops
• Pepper

It's important to pick the best quality scallops you can find. You can use either fresh or frozen large scallops for this recipe. If frozen, allow the scallops to thaw at room temperature before marinating them. Scallops should feel firm to the touch. There shouldn't be a strong, fishy smell about them. Good quality fresh scallops have a light odor, but should not smell like fish.

A marinade adds additional flavor to this recipe, but if you're pressed for time, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.

To make the marinade, combine the juice of a fresh lemon with two tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Add black pepper to taste. Whisk it together. Rinse scallops under cool running water. Add the scallops to the marinade and toss to coat all the scallops with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

After the scallops have marinated, it's time to wrap them in their bacon blankets. Remove the bacon from the wrapper and cut each slice in half. Wrap one of the half slices of bacon around each scallop. Affix the bacon to the scallop using a toothpick or skewer. Do this with each scallop until every single one is swathed in bacon.

Place the scallops on a broiler pan or a rack over a baking sheet. Broil the scallops until done. It doesn't take long to broil them. When the bacon turns crispy brown and the scallops are browned, they are done. It's better to take them out and check one than to overcook them. Overcooked bacon wrapped scallops can have a very tough texture. Stay with the oven at all times while they are broiling so they don't overcook.

Serve bacon wrapped scallops with rice - wild rice, saffron rice, and rice pilaf are all delicious accompaniments to this meal. A crisp white wine, such as a chardonnay, pairs well too. Be sure to chill the wine thoroughly. Plate the dish with a garnish of lemon slices or parsley for an elegant, festive touch.

Bacon wrapped scallops are one of those tastefully simple gourmet foods that look like they take hours to prepare yet are quite simple and use only a few ingredients. Whether served as a main course or as an appetizer, keeping this recipe on hand ensures a delightful gourmet meal you can whip up at a moment's notice.