Scallops wrapped in bacon make for an elegant and delicious appetizer or main course. The combination of the sweet delicate scallop with the salty savory bacon is a match made in heaven. However, properly cooking scallops can be tricky. Undercook them and they will be rubbery and flavorless. Overcook them and they will be tough and chewy. Getting that perfect tender, moist, flaky texture requires paying close attention to cook times. So how long does it actually take to cook scallops wrapped in bacon to perfection? Let’s take a closer look.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
There are several factors that affect how long it takes to cook scallops wrapped in bacon:
Size of Scallops
Scallops come in a range of sizes, from small bay scallops to large sea scallops. Larger scallops will take longer to cook through than smaller scallops. A good general guideline is:
– Small bay scallops – cook for 1-2 minutes per side
– Medium scallops – cook for 2-3 minutes per side
– Large sea scallops – cook for 3-4 minutes per side
When wrapping scallops in bacon, choose medium to large scallops for the best results. The bacon insulates the scallops slightly, so size up for proper cooking times.
Thickness of Bacon
The thickness of the bacon also affects overall cooking time. Thicker sliced bacon will take longer to crisp up than thinner bacon. Standard sliced bacon is a good middle ground that will cook up nicely. If using extra thick sliced bacon, extend cook times by 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Method
Pan searing, broiling, and grilling are all great options for cooking scallops wrapped in bacon. Pan searing on the stovetop will be the fastest method, followed by broiling in the oven, with grilling taking the longest. Make sure to account for additional grill time if cooking outdoors.
Number of Scallops
When cooking scallops wrapped in bacon, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan or grill. Trying to cook too many scallops at once will steam the scallops instead of searing them properly. This will increase overall cook time. For proper sear, work with 2-3 batches for even cooking.
Internal Temperature
When cooking scallops, you want the interior to reach an internal temperature of 135°F-140°F for the best texture and avoid overcooking. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Let the temperature coast up about 3-5°F once removed from the heat.
Doneness Preference
Cook scallops just until opaque throughout for tender, moist scallops. Cooking longer will result in tough, rubbery scallops. However, some prefer their scallops well done. If you prefer a more firm texture, cook scallops for 1-2 minutes longer per side.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the factors that affect cook time, let’s get into specifics on how long to cook scallops wrapped in bacon based on technique:
Pan Searing
Pan searing on the stovetop is quick and easy way to cook scallops wrapped in bacon. Here are the steps:
1. Pat dry scallops well before wrapping in bacon. Wrap each scallop 1-2 times with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
2. Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium high heat until very hot. Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom.
3. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, add scallops seam side down. Sear for 2-4 minutes per side based on size.
4. Use tongs to flip scallops gently. Cook on second side for another 2-4 minutes.
5. Transfer seared scallops to a plate and tent with foil to rest while cooking remaining batches.
Broiling
For easy oven cooking, broiling scallops wrapped in bacon is a great hands-off option:
1. Pat scallops dry, wrap in bacon and secure with toothpicks.
2. Place scallops on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Make sure scallops are evenly spaced.
3. Set oven to high broil. Broil scallops 6-8 inches from heating element for 2-4 minutes per side based on size.
4. Use tongs to gently flip scallops and broil second side 2-4 more minutes.
5. Let scallops rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
Grilling
For maximum flavor, grilling scallops wrapped in bacon is ideal:
1. Soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread each bacon wrapped scallop onto skewers, being careful to not pierce the scallop itself.
3. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Lightly oil grates.
4. Grill scallops 2-3 minutes per side until bacon is crisp and scallops are opaque.
5. Use tongs to gently flip skewers as needed for even cooking.
6. Let scallops rest 3-5 minutes before sliding off skewers to serve.
Cooking Chart by Scallop Size
For easy reference, here are the estimated cooking times based on scallop size and technique:
| Scallop Size | Pan Sear | Broil | Grill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (Under 30ct) | 1-2 minutes per side | 2-3 minutes per side | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Medium (20-30ct) | 2-3 minutes per side | 3-4 minutes per side | 3-4 minutes per side |
| Large (10-20ct) | 3-4 minutes per side | 4-5 minutes per side | 4-5 minutes per side |
| Jumbo (Under 10ct) | 4-5 minutes per side | 5-6 minutes per side | 5-6 minutes per side |
*Cook times are for typical 1/4 inch sliced bacon. Add 1-2 minutes for thicker sliced bacon.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Scallops
To ensure tender, juicy scallops encased in crispy bacon follow these top tips:
– Pat scallops very dry before wrapping in bacon to prevent steaming
– Wrap scallops tight enough to secure bacon but not squeeze scallop
– Use moderate heat to render bacon fat slowly and cook scallops gently
– Flip scallops only once during cooking for best sear
– Allow scallops to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute
Serving Suggestions
Scallops wrapped in bacon taste amazing on their own, but here are some tasty ways to serve them:
– On toasted bread or slider buns for upscale bacon cheeseburgers
– Alongside creamy risotto or polenta for a rich main course
– On top of a fresh salad for an elegant starter
– With roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts as a side dish
– Over pasta tossed with garlic butter or alfredo sauce
– On skewers as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like chimichurri
– In lettuce wraps or tacos with lime crema and pico de gallo
The possibilities are endless for these succulent morsels!
Conclusion
Perfectly seared scallops wrapped in crispy bacon is a gourmet delight that looks impressive but is easy to execute. With a simple understanding of bacon cook times and scallop sizes, you can master pan searing, broiling or grilling for scallops with ideal doneness encased in just-right bacon. Using the cooking guidelines and serving suggestions in this article, you can create a sensational dish that will wow your guests. So wrap those scallops in bacon and get cooking for your next special occasion meal!
