Bacon-wrapped scallops, a delightful delicacy often savored during the festive Christmas season, embody the perfect fusion of succulent seafood and savory bacon. This recipe, cherished by many for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal, promises a culinary journey brimming with flavor and elegance. With a mere preparation time of 20 minutes and a total cooking time of just 32 minutes, this dish effortlessly transforms into a centerpiece of any gathering, making it ideal for both intimate family dinners and grand holiday soirées alike.
Crafted to cater to the dietary preferences of those seeking low-carb options, this recipe falls under the category of “Very Low Carbs,” ensuring a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious food enthusiasts. Furthermore, its preparation requires only a handful of ingredients, rendering it not only delicious but also remarkably easy to assemble.
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 strips of bacon, cut in half
- 2 sea scallops
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/3 cup of chicken broth
With the ingredients at your fingertips, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable bacon-wrapped scallops:
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Begin by preheating your broiler, ensuring it is positioned approximately 5 inches from the heat source, to achieve optimal cooking results.
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Taking each strip of bacon, halve them to create appropriately sized pieces for wrapping around the succulent scallops.
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Next, carefully wrap each sea scallop with a piece of bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick. This step not only infuses the scallops with the smoky essence of bacon but also adds a visually appealing touch to the dish.
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Once all the scallops are meticulously enveloped in bacon, arrange them on a baking sheet, readying them for their journey under the broiler’s radiant heat.
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Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the scallops broil for approximately 3 minutes per side or until the bacon achieves a delectably crisp texture, imparting a tantalizing crunch with each bite.
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While the scallops are sizzling in the oven, prepare the flavorful garlic butter sauce to elevate their taste to sublime heights. In a small skillet, melt the butter over gentle heat, infusing it with the aromatic essence of freshly minced garlic.
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Once the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown, pour in the chicken broth, allowing the ingredients to meld together in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and develop.
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With the scallops now perfectly broiled and the garlic butter sauce infused with savory goodness, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped scallops into a large bowl, then pour the luscious garlic butter sauce over them, ensuring each scallop is generously coated.
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To ensure every bite is infused with the rich flavors of the sauce, gently toss the scallops, allowing them to absorb the delectable essence of garlic-infused butter.
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With the bacon-wrapped scallops now adorned in a glistening cloak of garlic butter goodness, they are ready to be served, tantalizing the taste buds of eager diners with every irresistible morsel.
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Whether presented as an elegant appetizer at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a decadent main course, these bacon-wrapped scallops are sure to leave a lasting impression, earning rave reviews from all who partake in their culinary splendor.
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 50 glowing reviews, these bacon-wrapped scallops have garnered widespread acclaim, cementing their status as a beloved favorite among discerning food enthusiasts. Clocking in at just 127.8 calories per serving, with 11.2 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 23.2 milligrams of cholesterol, these delectable delights offer a guilt-free indulgence for those mindful of their dietary intake.
Moreover, boasting a mere 0.9 grams of carbohydrates and no added sugars, these bacon-wrapped scallops cater to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring that all can partake in their sumptuous flavors without compromise.
In conclusion, with their irresistible combination of succulent seafood, savory bacon, and aromatic garlic butter sauce, these bacon-wrapped scallops epitomize the essence of culinary excellence, inviting food enthusiasts on a gastronomic journey filled with flavor, elegance, and festive cheer. So, this Christmas season, delight your loved ones with a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, and savor the joy that comes with sharing moments of culinary bliss around the holiday table.
