How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops on Big Green Egg

Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the delicate taste of scallops? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook bacon-wrapped scallops on a Big Green Egg. You’ll learn the secrets to choosing the perfect scallops, preparing the bacon, and seasoning the dish to perfection.

With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be grilling up a plate of deliciousness in no time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable treat!

Choosing the Right Scallops

When choosing the right scallops for this recipe, it’s important to look for ones that are fresh and firm. The first thing to consider is the size of the scallops. You have the option to choose between different sizes, such as U10, U15, or U20. The ‘U’ stands for ‘under,’ indicating the number of scallops you can expect to get per pound.

If you prefer larger scallops, go for U10 or U15. However, keep in mind that bigger scallops may require longer cooking times. On the other hand, if you prefer smaller scallops, U20 would be a good choice.

Next, you need to decide whether to use fresh or frozen scallops. Fresh scallops are preferred because they have a sweeter and more delicate flavor. Look for scallops that have a natural sheen and are not overly wet or slimy. Avoid scallops that have a strong fishy smell, as this could indicate that they are not fresh.

If fresh scallops are not available, frozen scallops can be a good alternative. Just make sure to properly thaw them before cooking.

Overall, choosing the right scallops for your bacon-wrapped scallop recipe is crucial. Consider the size that suits your preference and opt for fresh scallops whenever possible.

Preparing the Bacon

When it comes to preparing the bacon for your scallops, there are a few key points to consider.

First, you have the option of choosing the thickness of your bacon. Thicker bacon will result in a chewier texture, while thinner bacon will crisp up more quickly.

Second, you must decide whether you want to pre-cook the bacon or not. Pre-cooking the bacon can help ensure that it is fully cooked and crispy when the scallops are done.

Lastly, there are various techniques for wrapping the bacon around the scallops, such as using toothpicks or skewers.

Bacon Thickness Options

For the best results, you’ll want to choose a bacon thickness that will complement the scallops when cooking them on the Big Green Egg.

When it comes to bacon thickness options, you have a few choices. The most common options are thin-cut bacon and thick-cut bacon.

Thin-cut bacon is great for achieving a crispy texture and allows the scallops to cook faster.

On the other hand, thick-cut bacon adds more flavor and juiciness to the scallops. It also holds its shape better during the cooking process.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. Experiment with both options to find the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Regardless of the bacon thickness you choose, make sure to secure it well to the scallops using toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

Pre-Cooking or Not

To achieve the best results, it’s important to decide whether to pre-cook the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops. Pre-cooking the bacon has several benefits. First, it helps to render the fat, resulting in a crispier texture. Secondly, it ensures that the bacon is fully cooked, reducing the risk of any potential foodborne illnesses. However, if you prefer a chewier texture or want to infuse the scallops with more bacon flavor, you can skip the pre-cooking step. Instead, wrap the raw bacon around the scallops and cook them together. Another alternative cooking method is to partially cook the bacon, just enough to render some of the fat, before wrapping it around the scallops. This method allows for a balance between crispiness and chewiness. Experiment with different cooking methods to find your preferred bacon-wrapped scallops.

Pre-Cooking	Benefits
Yes	– Crispier texture – Fully cooked bacon
No	– Chewier texture – More bacon flavor
Partially	– Balance between crispiness and chewiness

Techniques for Wrapping

One way to ensure the bacon stays in place while wrapping the scallops is by using toothpicks.

Here are some techniques for wrapping bacon around scallops to enhance the grilling experience and create delicious flavor combinations:

1. Partial Wrap: Wrap the bacon around the scallop, leaving part of the scallop exposed. This allows for a crispy bacon texture while still allowing the scallop to cook evenly.

2. Spiral Wrap: Start at one end of the scallop and wrap the bacon in a spiral motion, covering the entire scallop. This method ensures that the bacon stays in place and provides an even distribution of flavor.

3. Double Wrap: For extra bacon flavor, double wrap the scallop by overlapping two slices of bacon. This creates a rich and smoky taste.

4. Herb Infused Wrap: Add an extra layer of flavor by placing fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, between the bacon and the scallop. This infuses the scallop with aromatic flavors while the bacon cooks.

Seasoning the Scallops

Once the scallops are wrapped in bacon, you’ll need to season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Seasoning is a crucial step in bringing out the flavors of the scallops and enhancing the overall dish. There are various seasoning techniques and flavor combinations that you can try to elevate your bacon-wrapped scallops.

To help you explore different seasoning options, here is a table showcasing some popular flavor combinations for bacon-wrapped scallops:

Seasoning Technique	Flavor Combination
Classic	Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Spicy	Cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin
Citrusy	Lemon zest, thyme, and black pepper
Asian-inspired	Soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil
Smoky	Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and cumin

Feel free to experiment with these combinations or create your own unique blend of spices. The key is to balance the flavors to complement the natural sweetness of the scallops and the smokiness of the bacon.

Remember to season both sides of the bacon-wrapped scallops before cooking them on the Big Green Egg. This will ensure that the flavors penetrate the scallops and infuse throughout the dish as it cooks. So, don’t hold back on the seasonings and get ready to enjoy delicious bacon-wrapped scallops bursting with flavor!

Wrapping the Scallops in Bacon

When wrapping your scallops in bacon, make sure to secure them with toothpicks to prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking. This step is crucial to ensure that your bacon-wrapped scallops turn out perfectly cooked and visually appealing.

To help you achieve delicious results, here are some tips for selecting the right bacon and cooking your scallops to perfection:

1. Choose the right bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon as it will provide a better balance with the delicate scallops. The thickness of the bacon also helps it cook evenly with the scallops.

2. Precook the bacon slightly: Before wrapping the scallops, partially cook the bacon to render some fat and make it pliable. This will help it adhere better to the scallops and prevent it from shrinking too much during cooking.

3. Wrap the scallops tightly: Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, making sure to overlap the bacon slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks through the ends to keep it in place while cooking.

4. Cook over indirect heat: When grilling the bacon-wrapped scallops on the Big Green Egg, set it up for indirect cooking. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure that the bacon cooks evenly without burning.

Preheating the Big Green Egg

To ensure optimal cooking temperature, it’s important to preheat the Big Green Egg before placing your ingredients inside. Preheating the Big Green Egg is a crucial step in achieving delicious bacon-wrapped scallops. There are a few preheating methods that you can try to maintain the temperature consistently.

One effective method is to use the bottom draft door and the dual-function metal top. Open the bottom draft door fully to allow the air to flow into the Egg. Next, open the dual-function metal top and set it to the open position. This allows for maximum airflow and helps the Egg reach the desired temperature more quickly.

Another method is to use natural lump charcoal and a charcoal starter. Fill the firebox with natural lump charcoal, leaving a small space for air circulation. Place a charcoal starter in the center of the charcoal and light it. Let the charcoal burn until it is covered with a thin layer of ash. Then, spread the charcoal evenly in the firebox to ensure even heat distribution.

Once the Big Green Egg has reached the desired temperature, close the bottom draft door and adjust the dual-function metal top to control the airflow and maintain the temperature throughout the cooking process.

Preheating the Big Green Egg using these methods will ensure that your bacon-wrapped scallops are cooked to perfection, with a crispy bacon exterior and tender, juicy scallops inside. So, don’t skip this important step and enjoy a mouthwatering meal.

Grilling the Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Make sure you flip the bacon-wrapped scallops halfway through grilling to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Grilling bacon-wrapped scallops on the Big Green Egg is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this seafood delicacy.

Here are some grilling techniques and flavor variations to elevate your scallop game:

1. Direct heat: Preheat your Big Green Egg to around 400°F (200°C) using the direct grilling method. This will give you a nice sear on the scallop and crispy bacon.

2. Indirect heat: Alternatively, you can use indirect heat by setting up your Big Green Egg for indirect grilling. This method allows for slower and more gentle cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy scallop.

3. Flavor variations: Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding marinades or glazes to your bacon-wrapped scallops. Some popular options include honey garlic, lemon herb, or spicy Sriracha.

4. Skewer it: To make flipping easier, skewer your bacon-wrapped scallops onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. This will prevent the scallops from falling through the grill grates.

Remember to keep a close eye on the scallops while grilling as they cook quickly and can easily become overdone.

With these grilling techniques and flavor variations, you’ll have perfectly cooked and irresistibly tasty bacon-wrapped scallops every time.

Monitoring the Cooking Time

When it comes to grilling, managing your time effectively is crucial. To ensure that your bacon wrapped scallops are cooked to perfection, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the cooking time.

In addition to time management, controlling the temperature of your grill is essential for achieving even cooking and preventing any burnt or undercooked spots.

Time Management Tips

You’ll need to start by preheating the Big Green Egg to ensure it’s at the right temperature for cooking bacon wrapped scallops.

Now, let’s talk about some time-saving techniques and multitasking strategies to help you efficiently cook this delicious dish:

1. Prep in advance: Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need. This will save you time and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

2. Wrap the scallops ahead of time: You can wrap the scallops in bacon a few hours before cooking them. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply place them on the grill without any extra prep work.

3. Grill side dishes simultaneously: While the bacon wrapped scallops are cooking, you can take advantage of the space on the Big Green Egg by grilling some vegetables or potatoes. This way, you’ll have a complete meal without any extra effort.

4. Set timers: To ensure you don’t overcook or undercook the scallops, set timers for each step of the cooking process. This will help you stay organized and ensure everything is cooked to perfection.

Temperature Control Techniques

To ensure your dish turns out perfectly, it’s important to have precise control over the temperature of your cooking equipment. When it comes to achieving the perfect sear on your bacon-wrapped scallops, temperature control methods play a crucial role.

One effective technique is preheating your cooking equipment, such as a grill or skillet, to a high temperature before adding the scallops. This allows for a quick sear and locks in the flavors and juices of the scallops.

Additionally, using a digital meat thermometer can help you monitor the internal temperature of the scallops to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

Ensuring Even Cooking

Using a digital thermometer is essential for ensuring the scallops are evenly cooked.

Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops on your Big Green Egg:

1. Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to around 400°F to ensure proper cooking.

2. Monitor the cooking time: Use your digital thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature of the scallops. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

3. Use indirect heat: To prevent the bacon from burning, cook the scallops using indirect heat. This means placing them on the cooler side of the grill.

4. Flip halfway through: Flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Serving and Enjoying the Delicious Dish

Once the bacon wrapped scallops are cooked to perfection on the Big Green Egg, it’s time to sit back and savor the mouthwatering flavors. Now that your delicious dish is ready, let’s talk about how to present it in a visually appealing way.

Plating presentation ideas can make a significant difference in the overall dining experience. Consider arranging the scallops on a bed of vibrant greens, such as arugula or watercress, to add a pop of color. Drizzle a savory sauce, like a lemon butter or a spicy aioli, in an artistic manner around the plate. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an added touch of freshness.

To enhance the flavors of your bacon wrapped scallops, it’s important to choose the right wine pairing. Seafood and white wine are a classic combination, and bacon wrapped scallops are no exception. A crisp and acidic white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, can complement the richness of the bacon and the delicate sweetness of the scallops. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied red, like a Pinot Noir or a Gamay, which can provide a nice contrast to the savory bacon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooking bacon wrapped scallops on the Big Green Egg is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this savory dish. By choosing the right scallops, preparing the bacon, and seasoning the scallops, you can ensure a flavorful result.

Wrapping the scallops in bacon and grilling them on the Big Green Egg adds a smoky and charred flavor that enhances the taste. With proper monitoring of the cooking time, you can achieve perfectly cooked scallops every time.

Serve and enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.