Savory Chinese Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Indulge in an irresistible blend of flavors with these Savory Chinese Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this dish showcases succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, infused with a hint of Asian flair. The combination of plum or duck sauce, mustard powder, sesame oil, and soy sauce creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler or grill. Easy to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is bound to impress your guests and elevate your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
1.5 lbs (Lightly rinsed and drained)
thinly sliced bacon
3/4-1 lb (Cut in half)
bamboo skewers
20-22 pieces (Soaked in water for one hour)
mustard powder
1 tablespoon (Mixed with hot water to create a paste)
hot water
2 tablespoons (For mixing with mustard powder)
plum sauce or Chinese duck sauce
1/2 cup (For basting and marinade)
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (For marinade)
soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon (For marinade)
Instructions
1
Rinse the sea scallops gently under cold water, then drain thoroughly. If any scallops are particularly thick, slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
2
Preheat your broiler or prepare a medium-high heat on the grill.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the mustard powder and hot water to create a paste. Set aside.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the plum sauce (or Chinese duck sauce), sesame oil, soy sauce, and the mustard paste. Mix until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
5
Cut the thinly sliced bacon in half. Place the rinsed scallops in a larger bowl and pour half of the sauce over them. Toss lightly to coat the scallops evenly.
6
Wrap each scallop with half a piece of bacon and thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Ensure that the bacon is secure around the scallop.
7
If broiling, line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the skewers on top. Position the skewers about 3 inches from the heat source.
8
Broil or grill the skewers for about 8 to 9 minutes on each side, basting them with the remaining sauce halfway through, until the bacon becomes crispy and the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
9
Serve the skewers hot, garnished with additional sauce if desired.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
3g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chinese Bacon-Wrapped Scallops?
These are succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce featuring plum sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and mustard.
What kind of scallops should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of sea scallops. Sea scallops are larger and better suited for wrapping and grilling than smaller bay scallops.
How do I prepare the scallops before cooking?
Rinse the sea scallops gently under cold water and drain them thoroughly. If they are particularly thick, slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Thinly sliced bacon is best because it wraps easily around the scallops and crisps up quickly without overcooking the seafood.
Why do I need to soak the bamboo skewers?
Soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least one hour prevents them from catching fire or charring excessively under the broiler or on the grill.
How do I make the mustard paste for the marinade?
Mix one tablespoon of mustard powder with two tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
What is in the Savory Chinese glaze?
The glaze is made from a combination of plum sauce (or Chinese duck sauce), sesame oil, soy sauce, and a prepared mustard paste.
Can I use duck sauce instead of plum sauce?
Yes, Chinese duck sauce is an excellent substitute for plum sauce in this recipe.
How should I wrap the bacon around the scallops?
Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap half a piece of bacon around each scallop and secure it by threading it onto the bamboo skewer.
Should I marinate the scallops before wrapping them?
Yes, toss the rinsed scallops in half of the prepared sauce to coat them evenly before wrapping them in bacon.
What is the best way to cook these scallops?
You can either broil them in the oven about 3 inches from the heat source or cook them over medium-high heat on a grill.
How long does it take to cook bacon-wrapped scallops?
They typically take about 8 to 9 minutes per side, for a total of 16 to 18 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque.
When should I apply the remaining sauce?
Baste the skewers with the remaining sauce halfway through the cooking process to ensure a caramelized glaze.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What is the fat content of the scallops?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving, primarily coming from the bacon.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 15 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes, it is relatively low in carbohydrates, containing only 3 grams of carbs per serving.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for 20 to 22 bamboo skewers.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before you begin the preparation to prevent excess moisture.
What should I do if I am broiling the scallops?
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place the skewers about 3 inches away from the broiler's heat source.
How do I know when the scallops are fully cooked?
The scallops are done when they lose their translucency and become opaque throughout, and the bacon is crispy.
What does sesame oil contribute to the flavor?
Sesame oil provides a toasted, nutty aroma that enhances the Asian-inspired profile of the dish.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Absolutely, these skewers make an excellent appetizer or 'party food' because they are easy to hold and look impressive.
How long does total preparation take?
The entire process is quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish (not including the skewer soaking time).
Can I serve these with extra sauce?
Yes, you can garnish the finished skewers with additional plum or duck sauce if desired.
Is there a specific way to line the pan?
Using aluminum foil on your cookie sheet is recommended to catch the bacon grease and caramelized sauce for easier cleanup.
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
It is not recommended, as thick-cut bacon takes much longer to cook than the scallops, which may result in overcooked seafood.
Does the recipe contain soy?
Yes, it contains a small amount of soy sauce in the marinade.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: sea scallops, bacon, skewers, mustard powder, water, plum sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of salty (bacon and soy), sweet (plum sauce), and slightly spicy (mustard), with a rich, smoky finish from the grill or broiler.