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Recipes / Starters

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon-Garlic Butter

Crisp bacon, caramelized sea scallops and a lemon-garlic butter you will want to drink. A 20-minute keto starter that looks like it took all day.

  • Prep10 min
  • Cook12 min
  • Serves4

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Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon-Garlic Butter

Scallops and bacon are a steakhouse classic for a reason. Here the bacon is partly pre-cooked so it turns crisp by the time the scallops are perfectly sweet and just translucent in the center. Serve four as a starter or two as a light main.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

4.9gNet carbs
19gProtein
24gFat
315Calories

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the bacon halves on a rack set over a sheet pan and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until they begin to render but are still pliable.
  2. Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels — this is what gives you a golden crust. Wrap each with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Season with pepper.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque with a slight give.
  4. Move the scallops to a plate. Lower the heat, add the remaining butter and the garlic, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
  5. Spoon the butter over the scallops, finish with flaky salt, and serve with lemon wedges.

Chef’s notes

  • Ask for “dry” scallops. “Wet” scallops are soaked in a solution and will steam instead of sear.
  • Do not crowd the pan. Work in two batches if your skillet is small.
  • Soak toothpicks in water for 10 minutes if you plan to finish the scallops under the broiler.

Storage: Best eaten right away. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge; reheat gently in a low oven so the scallops do not turn rubbery.

Food safety: the USDA’s minimum internal temperatures are 165°F (74°C) for poultry, 160°F (71°C) for ground meat, and 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and fish, with a 3-minute rest for the meat. Use an instant-read thermometer. More on food safety.

Nutrition is a calculated estimate per serving using standard ingredient data; brands and portions vary. Net carbs = total carbohydrates − fiber. Not medical advice. See our health disclaimer.

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