Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce
A quick and easy appetizer featuring tender sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, drizzled with a rich and nutty brown butter sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a special weeknight treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 scallops (about 6 servings as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the scallops seam side down first and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until bacon is golden and scallops are firm but tender.
- While scallops cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in minced garlic and lemon juice.
- Arrange cooked scallops on a serving platter. Spoon the warm brown butter sauce over the scallops and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Let scallops come to room temperature before cooking for even searing. Soak toothpicks in water if broiling or grilling to prevent burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crisp bacon. Remove brown butter from heat as soon as it smells nutty to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 scallops per servi
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: bacon-wrapped scallops, brown butter sauce, appetizer, seafood, easy recipe, party food, quick appetizer