BBQ Scallops Recipe Bacon Wrapped: Sweet Heat in Every Bite

I’ve perfected a BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops recipe that combines the sweetness of scallops with the smoky heat of BBQ. 🔥 The key is balancing flavors between the scallops, bacon, and BBQ sauce.

This dish is perfect for a quick appetizer or main course, ready in just 20 minutes. I recommend serving with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance the richness of the bacon and scallops. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Bbq Scallops Recipe Bacon Wrapped

Quick, impressive, and ridiculously delicious. Perfect for any occasion in just 20 minutes.

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Scallops matter here. Fresh is best, but frozen works too—as long as they’re not sitting in liquid. Costco has great frozen scallops. Pat dry before wrapping in bacon. Thick-cut bacon is crucial—thin slices burn too fast. Applewood-smoked gives that perfect balance of sweet and savory. You can prep these ahead and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking.

No grill? No problem. A hot skillet works just as well. Brown sugar is optional, but it adds that nice caramelized crust. Smoked paprika gives depth, but you can skip it if you don’t have it. Garlic powder is another nice-to-have—just a hint of flavor. For the BBQ sauce, go with your favorite brand—I like sweet and spicy.

These keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain that crispy bacon texture. You can also freeze before cooking for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Scallops Bacon Wrapped

Let’s get started with this mouth-watering recipe that’s sure to impress.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Start by wrapping each of the 12 pieces Large Scallops with a slice of Thick-Cut Bacon. I like to secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep everything in place. Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the scallop to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. If you’re using applewood-smoked bacon, you’ll get that perfect smoky flavor.

Once you’ve wrapped all the scallops, brush them with 2 tbsp Olive Oil to help the bacon crisp up. I also like to sprinkle a pinch of 0.25 tsp Salt and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper over the scallops for added flavor.

🍳 Step 2: Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the bacon-wrapped scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is nicely charred and the scallops are cooked through.

While the scallops are grilling, mix 0.5 cup BBQ Sauce with 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (if using) in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the scallops during the last minute of grilling to give them that sweet and sticky BBQ glaze. The BBQ sauce will caramelize and create a deliciously sticky coating.

🔥 Step 3: Finish with a Smoky Flavor

Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the grill and sprinkle with 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika for an extra smoky kick. If you like a bit more flavor, you can also add a pinch of 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder. I like to garnish with 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve the BBQ scallops hot with 4 pieces Lemon Wedges on the side. The acidity from the lemon will cut through the richness of the bacon and BBQ sauce, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped scallops!

Best Sauces and Condiments for These Flavors

Signature BBQ Sauce Options

For BBQ scallops, a thick, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce works best. I prefer using Kansas City-style or Memphis-style BBQ sauce as they have the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Some popular brands include Stubb’s or Jack Daniel’s. You can also make your own BBQ sauce from scratch using ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices. 🔥

Enhancing with Additional Condiments

To add more depth to your BBQ scallops, consider serving with complementary condiments. A spicy aioli made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice can add a nice kick. Alternatively, a citrus-herb sauce with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil can provide a refreshing contrast. You can also offer a side of pickled vegetables or coleslaw to cut through the richness of the bacon and BBQ sauce.

Customizing Your BBQ Sauce

If you want to get creative, you can customize your BBQ sauce by adding different ingredients. For example, adding honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness, while hot sauce or red pepper flakes can increase the heat. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, to add unique flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

When serving BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops, consider pairing them with sides that complement their smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Bell peppers work well, as do starchy sides like garlic mashed potatoes or grilled corn on the cob. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the scallops.