Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Name: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 large sea scallops (side-muscles removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (or 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 6 slices bacon (halved crosswise (see recipe note #1)); avocado oil (or other high heat vegetable oil for brushing grill grates); 1 lemon (cut into wedges, optional)

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Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops are a beautiful main course or appetizer that taste even better than they look! An elegant, restaurant quality meal that’s perfect for entertaining or a date night al fresco.

grilled bacon wrapped scallops on skewers on a brushed metal platter.

You’ll need an outdoor grill, just 30 minutes and 3 simple ingredients plus salt and pepper to prepare them. (Outside of grilling season, you can make my reader favorite Bacon Wrapped Scallops in your oven instead.)

Ingredients You Need to Make Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Key Step
FAQ
More Delicious Grilled Seafood
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops on the Grill
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Ingredients You Need to Make Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops Ingredients

Scallops: large sea scallops
Bacon: If your scallops are very large, use a full bacon strip for each one
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Key Step

You don’t want overcooked scallops or undercooked bacon. The key to avoiding these undesirable results is to partially cook the bacon right on the grill before wrapping and grilling the scallops. Don’t skip this step! It’s a simple process that ensures perfectly succulent scallops and crispy bacon every time.

FAQ

How do you know when scallops are done on the grill?

Cooked scallops should be opaque, not translucent. They typically take 6-8 minutes to grill, but their actual cook time may vary depending on factors such as size and thickness.

What temperature should scallops be on the grill?

Scallops should be grilled over direct, medium-high heat, ~425˚F.

Should scallops be rinsed before cooking?

You should rinse scallops with cold water to remove any grit. Pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do you keep scallops from sticking to the grill?

Coating the scallops in olive oil and lightly brushing the grill grates with oil are the best ways to keep them from sticking to the grill.

How long should you grill bacon wrapped scallops?

It’s important to partially cook the bacon for 5 to 6 minutes before wrapping the scallops (otherwise you’ll end up with overcooked scallops or underdone bacon). Once you wrap the scallops in partially cooked bacon, you’ll grill them for 6 to 8 minutes.

More Delicious Grilled Seafood

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops on the Grill

In a medium bowl, toss scallops with olive oil, salt and pepper to coat.

Preheat a gas grill to medium-high, 425˚F. When the grill reaches temperature, turn off burners in one area to create an indirect heat zone. Arrange bacon strips on the indirect heat area of the preheated grill; cook with the lid open, 5 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer partially cooked bacon to clean plate. Turn burners back on; close grill lid and reheat to 425˚F.

Wrap one slice of partially cooked bacon around the edges of each raw scallop and thread onto a metal skewer (or bamboo skewer soaked in water for 15 minutes or more). To grill, lightly brush grates with oil. Cook scallops over direct heat, 6-8 minutes total (3 to 4 minutes per side), or until scallops are just cooked through and bacon is crisp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.