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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Fish And Seafood Recipes

    Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

    Published: May 16, 2022 by Marissa Stevens · 14 Comments

    Gluten FreeLow CarbPaleoWhole30Quick Meals

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    grilled bacon wrapped scallops on skewers on a brushed metal platter

    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.)

    Jump to:
    • 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
    • 💬 Comments

    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

    • Grilled Tuna Steaks
    • Spicy Grilled Shrimp 
    • Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
    • Grilled Swordfish

    How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops on the Grill 

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

    seasoned scallops in a white bowl.

    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.

    raw bacon on grill.
    partially cooked bacon on grill.
    raw scallops wrapped in partially cooked bacon on skewers in foil lined baking sheet.

    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.

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

    Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

    Marissa Stevens
    Partially cooking the bacon on the grill is the key step to making these scallops succulent and the bacon crispy.
    5 from 2 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 scallops
    Calories 80 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 large sea scallops side-muscles removed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ 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

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat a gas grill to medium-high, 425˚F. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes. (Or use metal skewers.)
    • Meanwhile, add scallops, olive oil, salt and pepper to a medium bowl; toss gently to coat.
    • When the grill reaches temperature, turn off burners in one area to create an indirect heat zone (to minimize grease flare ups). Arrange bacon slices on grill over indirect heat, leaving some space between each. Grill bacon with the lid open, 5 to 6 minutes depending on the thickness. (It should still be pliable when you remove it from the grill.) Transfer bacon to a clean plate.
    • Turn burners back on; close grill lid and reheat to 425˚F.
    • When partially cooked bacon slices are cool enough to handle (a few minutes after you remove from grill), wrap each slice of bacon around the edges of one raw scallop and thread onto a metal skewer (or bamboo skewer soaked in water for 15 minutes or more). Repeat with remaining scallops (3 scallops per skewer), leaving a little room between each. Transfer skewers to a clean plate as you go.  
    • When you're ready to grill, brush grates lightly with oil. Cook scallops over direct heat, 3 to 4 minutes on each side until scallops are just cooked through and bacon is crisp (6-8 minutes total). (Recipe note #2) Transfer to clean platter or plate and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

    Notes

    1. If your scallops are very large and you want them completely wrapped, you may need close to a full bacon strip per scallop. Also note that for thick cut bacon, you can increase par-cook time by a 2 or 3 minutes, until bacon is starting to crisp, but is still pliable. Do this on your grill or in your oven or in a skillet on the stovetop. 
    2. I recommend using a thin, metal spatula instead of tongs for turning these on the grill.
    3. Note that total time does not include skewer soaking time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 239mgPotassium: 96mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword easy, fast, game day, grilled, keto, low carb, party food
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Fish and Seafood Recipes

    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Garlic Butter Sauce for Seafood
    • Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp
    • Tuna Tartare

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Valentina says

      June 06, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Marissa, this is absolutely stunning! I'd be very proud to have this on the table. And those flavors! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        June 08, 2022 at 10:25 am

        Thank you so much, Valentina. That's so nice to hear.

        Reply
    2. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      June 06, 2022 at 1:12 pm

      Your photo alone makes me want one of those skewers of scallops. How I miss the beautiful fresh day boat scallops that I used to get when we lived in New England. The ones I find here in Florida are small and have been frozen.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        June 08, 2022 at 10:26 am

        Thanks so much. You have me wanting to have those fresh scallops too, Karen!

        Reply
    3. Chef Mimi says

      May 20, 2022 at 7:29 am

      These look perfect!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 20, 2022 at 10:30 am

        aww..thanks, Mimi!

        Reply
    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      May 19, 2022 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      Ooh Marissa, so mouth-watering delicious!!! Scallops are such a treat for it, and wrapping them in bacon makes them even more delectable!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 20, 2022 at 10:57 am

        Thank you, Katherine!

        Reply
    5. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      May 17, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      This is an excellent example when just a few simple ingredients can result in something outstanding and ultra tasty! Beautiful, worth-style presentation.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 18, 2022 at 3:28 pm

        Thanks so much, Ben!

        Reply
    6. David @ Spiced says

      May 17, 2022 at 5:03 am

      5 stars
      What a tasty idea for summer grilling! I love mixing it up a bit, and I'm not sure I've ever grilled scallops before...that has to happen. Soon! Plus, bacon makes everything better. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 18, 2022 at 3:32 pm

        haha...so true! Thanks, David.

        Reply
    7. angiesrecipes says

      May 16, 2022 at 7:44 am

      Whoever gets to taste those scallops is the LUCKIEST one in the world! They look amazingly delicious, Marissa.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 18, 2022 at 3:32 pm

        You're so kind, Angie. Thank you!

        Reply

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