A Feast for the Senses: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Imagine the perfect symphony of flavors: the delicate sweetness of scallops, the smoky richness of bacon, and the bright zest of lemon—all coming together in one harmonious dish. That’s exactly what you get with our Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce. As a keto enthusiast, you’re always on the lookout for recipes that not only satisfy your macros but also cater to your gourmet cravings. This dish is a keto dream, with low carbs and high fats, ensuring you stay within your dietary goals while indulging in a luxurious meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a sumptuous appetizer, this recipe promises to impress. The succulent scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, all drizzled with a tangy lemon butter sauce, create a culinary experience that’s as delightful to the palate as it is to the keto diet.
The Story Behind The Scallops
My journey with Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce began at a quaint seaside restaurant, where the dish’s elegance and simplicity captured my heart. As a keto devotee, I’m always exploring ways to transform gourmet dishes into keto-friendly masterpieces. This recipe is a testament to that passion. The scallops offer a low-carb protein source, while the bacon adds a healthy dose of fats, essential for maintaining ketosis. The lemon butter sauce, with its high fat content and negligible carbs, ties the dish together without compromising keto principles.
Scallops are a nutrient-rich seafood that’s low in calories yet high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them an ideal choice for a ketogenic lifestyle. Bacon, a keto staple, provides both flavor and fat, which is the cornerstone of a ketogenic diet. As for the lemon butter sauce, it’s a simple concoction that brings vibrancy and richness to the dish, all while keeping carbs to a minimum.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of how keto can be both delicious and nutritious. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is a delight, while the nutritional profile keeps your body fueled and in ketosis. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dish is a must-try, offering a gourmet experience without the guilt.
The Art of Perfect Scallops
Creating the perfect Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce is an art form. Begin by selecting the freshest scallops you can find—they should have a sweet smell and a firm texture. Pat them dry to ensure the bacon crisps beautifully. When wrapping the scallops in bacon, aim for an even layer, and don’t forget to secure them with toothpicks. This not only keeps the bacon in place but also makes for an elegant presentation.
When seasoning, remember that bacon brings its own saltiness to the dish, so be judicious with additional salt. Pepper, however, can be used more liberally to complement the sweetness of the scallops. As the scallops bake, they should turn a beautiful opaque color—this is the sign they’re done. Overcooking can lead to toughness, so keep a close eye on them.
The lemon butter sauce should be bright and light. The key is to cook the garlic just until it’s fragrant—any longer, and you risk bitterness. When adding the lemon juice and zest, do so away from the heat to avoid curdling. The sauce should be emulsified to a silky consistency, perfect for drizzling over the scallops.
Remember, the final presentation is as important as the taste. Arrange the scallops on a platter, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with parsley for a pop of color. The result is not just a dish, but a masterpiece that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Variations to Savor
Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Sauce
Enhance the lemon butter sauce with a medley of herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or dill can add a new dimension of flavor that complements both the scallops and bacon.
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or paprika onto the bacon before wrapping the scallops. It will add a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Cheese-Crusted Scallops
Add a layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the bacon-wrapped scallops before baking. The cheese will form a delicious crust, adding texture and flavor to the dish.
Adaptable Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Alternatives
For a dairy-free version of the lemon butter sauce, use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter. The sauce will retain its richness while accommodating dietary restrictions.
If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a suitable substitute. It’s lower in fat, so you may want to brush the scallops with a bit of olive oil to maintain the dish’s keto balance.
For those who don’t consume alcohol, replace the white wine in the sauce with chicken or vegetable broth. It will still add depth to the sauce without affecting the carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Bacon-Wrapped Scallops ahead of time?
Yes, you can wrap the scallops in bacon and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to make the sauce fresh before serving.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked?
Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch. An internal temperature of 125°F indicates they’re done.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before use to ensure the bacon crisps up.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat gently to preserve the texture of the scallops.
Can I grill the bacon-wrapped scallops instead?
Absolutely! Ensure the grill is hot and watch closely to prevent flare-ups from the bacon fat.
Description
Indulge in the luxurious taste of Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce, a keto-friendly delight that combines succulent scallops with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon, all drizzled in a tangy and buttery lemon sauce. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adheres to your low-carb lifestyle, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated appetizer or a light meal.
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Cuisine
American, Keto
Category
Dinner, Appetizer
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops (approximately 1 lb / 450g)
- 12 slices of bacon (approximately 12 oz / 340g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 oz / 28g)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest (approximately 1/4 cup juice / 60ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Season the bacon-wrapped scallops with salt and pepper.
- Place the bacon-wrapped scallops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are cooked through.
- While the scallops are baking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the lemon juice and zest to the saucepan and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the scallops are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the bacon-wrapped scallops and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 315
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 24g
Equipment Used
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Toothpicks
- Saucepan
Other Notes
For the best results, use fresh scallops and avoid overcooking them to maintain their tenderness. You can also try adding a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re using thicker bacon slices, you may want to partially cook the bacon before wrapping the scallops to ensure it gets crispy in the oven.
