broiled bacon-wrapped sea scallops
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| broiled bacon-wrapped sea scallops |
- serves 6 to 8
why this recipe works Bacon-wrapped anything is always a
party hit, but its smoky flavor pairs especially well with briny
scallops for a simple yet impressive appetizer. The problem is
making sure the bacon is crisp but still pliable enough to wrap
around the scallops and that the balance between bacon and
scallop is right. We found that a whole slice of bacon was too
much for one scallop—the smoky flavor was overwhelming and
it also turned the appetizer unappealingly greasy. Smaller strips
of bacon worked much better. As for broiling the scallops, we
discovered that they finished cooking before the bacon had the opportunity to
brown and crisp. To even out the timing, we parcooked the bacon
in the microwave. This had the added benefit of rendering some
of the bacon fat ahead of time for less-greasy results. From there
it was a cinch to wrap the parcooked bacon around the scallops
and pop the whole thing under the broiler. When buying
scallops, be sure to buy large sea scallops rather than the small
bay scallops and dry scallops rather than wet scallops (wet
scallops are treated with preservatives that dull the scallops’
the flavor and ruin their texture).
ingredients
4 slices bacon¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 pound large sea scallops (about 24 scallops), tendons
removed
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
cooking instructions
1. Modify stove rack 6 creeps from grill component and warmthbroiler. Line broiler-pan bottom with foil and top with slotted
broiler-pan top.
2. Slice each piece of bacon lengthwise into 2 long, thin strips,
then cut each strip into 3 short pieces (total of 24 bacon pieces).
Spread bacon pieces out over 4 layers of paper towels on
microwave-safe plate, then cover with 2 more layers of paper
towels. Microwave on high until bacon fat begins to render but
bacon is still pliable , 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place scallops in medium bowl. Sprinkle salt,
pepper, and cayenne over scallops and toss to coat.
4. Wrap piece of microwaved bacon around the center of each
scallop and place on broiler-pan top, pinning bacon ends
underneath the scallop. Broil until sides of scallops are firm and
edges of bacon are brown, rotating broiler pan halfway through
cooking, 3 to 4 minutes. Skewer scallop with toothpicks,
transfer to a serving platter , and sprinkle with chives. Serve
immediately.
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| broiled bacon-wrapped sea scallops |
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