Teriyaki Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Bites
Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of tender sea scallops wrapped in thick, smoky Apple Wood smoked bacon, enhanced with a rich teriyaki glaze. These Teriyaki Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Bites offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them the perfect appetizer for seafood enthusiasts or an elegant main course that will impress your guests. The crunchy water chestnuts add a satisfying bite, while the optional pickled ginger adds a zesty twist. Serve them at your next gathering to elevate your dining experience and satisfy your cravings for savory seafood.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
large sea scallops
6 (cut into quarters)
teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup (for marinating scallops)
water chestnuts
48 slices (to create towers)
pickled ginger
24 slices (optional, for garnish)
apple-smoked bacon
12 slices (thickly sliced and cut in half)
toothpicks
24 (for securing wraps)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a shallow bowl, combine the large sea scallops with the teriyaki sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, though letting them sit for up to 1 hour will deepen the flavor.
3
While the scallops are marinating, prepare the water chestnut towers. On a cutting board or plate, arrange half of the water chestnuts. If desired, place a slice of pickled ginger on each water chestnut, then top with another slice to create a mini tower.
4
Carefully place a marinated scallop on top of each water chestnut tower. If using whole scallops, set the water chestnut beside the scallop instead.
5
Take your prepped bacon slices and lay them flat on a cutting board. Roll a water chestnut-scallop tower inside each slice of bacon, ensuring that two sides of the bacon overlap while the scallop and water chestnut remain exposed.
6
Secure the bacon-wrapped tower with a toothpick, piercing through the bacon into the water chestnut and scallop.
7
If using whole scallops, wrap the bacon around the scallop, with the water chestnut nestled between the bacon and scallop. Use toothpicks to hold the bacon securely in place.
8
Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a broiler pan or a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
9
Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Don't forget to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
10
For a final touch, drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the bites before serving, if desired, to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Teriyaki Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Bites?
They are a gourmet appetizer consisting of tender sea scallops marinated in teriyaki sauce, paired with water chestnuts and pickled ginger, wrapped in smoky apple-wood bacon and baked until crispy.
What kind of scallops should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for large sea scallops, which are then cut into quarters to create the perfect bite-sized portions.
How long should the scallops marinate?
Scallops should marinate in the teriyaki sauce for a minimum of 15 minutes, but letting them sit for up to 1 hour will result in a deeper flavor.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Thickly sliced Apple Wood smoked bacon is recommended to provide a rich, smoky contrast to the sweet teriyaki and seafood.
What is the purpose of the water chestnuts?
Water chestnuts add a satisfying crunchy texture and are used to create 'towers' that support the scallop inside the bacon wrap.
Is the pickled ginger mandatory?
No, the pickled ginger is optional, but it is highly recommended for adding a zesty twist to the flavor profile.
At what temperature should I bake the scallop bites?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) for optimal cooking.
How long do the bites need to cook?
They typically bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon reaches a crispy and cooked-through consistency.
Can I use whole scallops instead of quartered ones?
Yes, if using whole scallops, simply place the water chestnut beside the scallop rather than underneath it before wrapping with bacon.
How do I secure the bacon around the scallop?
Use a toothpick to pierce through the bacon, water chestnut, and scallop to hold the assembly together during baking.
How many pieces does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients (6 large scallops quartered and 12 bacon slices cut in half), the recipe makes approximately 24 individual bites.
What is a 'water chestnut tower'?
It is made by placing a slice of pickled ginger between two slices of water chestnut to create a base for the scallop.
Why use a broiler pan or wire rack for baking?
Using a rack allows heat to circulate around the entire bite, ensuring the bacon becomes crispy on all sides and prevents it from sitting in grease.
Can I add more sauce after cooking?
Yes, drizzling extra teriyaki sauce over the bites just before serving can further enhance the flavor.
What should I look out for while baking?
Keep a close eye on the oven toward the end of the 15 minutes to prevent the bacon or the sugar in the teriyaki sauce from burning.
Can these be served as a main course?
While perfect as an appetizer, they can certainly be served as an elegant main course for seafood enthusiasts.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, their bite-sized nature and elegant presentation make them an ideal party food or gathering appetizer.
How should I prepare the bacon before wrapping?
The 12 slices of bacon should be cut in half, providing 24 shorter strips for wrapping the individual bites.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure the sauce adheres well.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can marinate the scallops and assemble the wraps ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a blend of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors with a mix of tender seafood and crunchy water chestnut textures.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
If you are using a wire rack, greasing isn't strictly necessary for the bites, but it can help with cleanup on the pan underneath.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
While apple-smoked is suggested, any thick-cut bacon will work; just note that cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.
Are the toothpicks removed before serving?
You can leave them in to make it easier for guests to pick them up, or remove them once the bacon has set its shape during baking.
How do I ensure the scallops stay tender?
Avoid overcooking them beyond the 15-minute mark, as scallops can become rubbery if left in the high heat too long.
What if my bacon isn't crispy after 15 minutes?
You can leave them in for a few extra minutes or briefly turn on the broiler, but watch them very closely to avoid burning.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, any high-quality bottled teriyaki sauce works perfectly for both the marinade and the final drizzle.
How do I cut the sea scallops?
Cut each large sea scallop into four equal quarters using a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on the teriyaki sauce used; many contain soy sauce with wheat. Use a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
What is the best way to arrange the bacon?
Lay the bacon flat, place the tower inside, and roll so that the two ends of the bacon overlap for a secure wrap.