Bacon Scallop Lollipops with Honey Sriracha Glaze
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Want to be the most popular person at the party? Serve these bacon-wrapped and glazed scallop lollipops and watch it happen. Big, juicy scallops are wrapped in bacon, dipped in a honey sriracha glaze, then broiled until the bacon is crisp and the buttery scallops are perfectly cooked. Happiness is bite-sized!
If there’s a way to make tender, buttery scallops taste even better, this is it. I wrap them in smoky bacon, brush them with a spicy-sweet-tangy glaze, and broil them until everything is perfectly caramelized and irresistible.
They’re fun, a little indulgent, and exactly the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. One look at these scallop lollipops, and it’s pretty clear they deserve a permanent spot on your party menu.
Ingredients needed
Your shopping trip is going to be a short one, as five ingredients is all you need to make these irresistible scallop lollipops! Gather these items:
- Scallops: Buttery and tender, large scallops shine in this recipe.
- Bacon: Adds a layer of smokiness and contrasts the tender scallops. Opt for thinly sliced bacon over thick cut.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a glaze-y finish.
- Sriracha: For a spicy undertone.
- Lime: A citrusy note to brighten things up.
Scallop selection
Scallops are not quite an everyday fare, meaning they tend to be reserved for restaurant dining or special occasions – which makes them extra special! This also means that you might not be as familiar with how to select good scallops, but once you master at-home scallops, you’ll find it’s one of the culinary joys of life. Here are some tips:
- Freshness: Always get fresh scallops, when possible! Visit your fishmonger and check their appearance – you’ll want them to be moist but not too wet, translucent, and glossy. Make sure that they don’t look dull.
- Smell: They should smell fresh and a bit briny, similar to the ocean. If they have an unpleasant or overly strong smell, this indicates they’re not so fresh.
- Feel: They should not be too soft or mushy, you’ll want them to feel firm and slightly springy.
- Frozen: While fresh is always best, depending on your location, it may not be possible to find fresh scallops. This recipe will work with frozen, too. Just thaw them in your fridge a day before using them. Also, be sure to dry them well with paper towels.
What to serve with scallop lollipops
These babies are the ultimate appetizer to get the party started! If you’re making it a spread, serve them beside sesame pineapple sausage bites or prosciutto wrapped peaches.
Use them to open for a seafood-based dinner, like firecracker salmon. Or a smoky grilled meal, serve them with a grilled rack of lamb. When selecting sides, look for complementary but contrasting flavors or textures, like sauteed asparagus, summer quinoa salad, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, or an arugula wild rice salad.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Scallop lollipops are best enjoyed fresh; you can assemble them ahead of time, store them in an airtight tub, and cook them just before serving.
It’s best not to reheat scallops, as the texture can become rubbery; once cooked, enjoy them!
What’s the best way to wrap the scallops in the bacon?
We have found it is easier to trim a little off the end of the bacon so that each strip is even in length and slightly larger than the scallop. Save the little bacon scraps and add them to tomorrow’s breakfast! Then, wrap it around the circumference and secure it with a toothpick, cocktail stick, or skewer.
I haven’t cooked scallops before. What do I need to know?
When cooked well, scallops have a buttery, sweet, and subtle flavor that could be compared to lobster or crab. However, they do have their own distinct, delicious taste. When overcooked, they can become a bit tough or rubbery, so you’ll want to monitor the time when broiling.
Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. They’re ready when they turn opaque in the middle.
Bacon Scallop Lollipops Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a baking rack on the top shelf in your oven (and keep the other in the middle) and turn your oven to broil. Place some toothpicks (you’ll need about 20) in a cup of water.
- Cut the bacon in half then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the bacon in your oven for 5-6 minutes on the middle rack, while your oven is heating up. You want the bacon to just start to cook, but still be pliable enough to wrap around the scallops. Remove the bacon from the oven and it cool slightly.1 lb bacon
- While the bacon is in the oven, mix the honey, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, Juice of ½ lime
- Wrap one piece of bacon (½ slice) around each scallop and secure in place with a toothpick. Dip the scallops in the glaze and place them on a baking sheet.10 ounces large scallops
- Place the scallops in the oven on the top rack and broil for 5 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven. (If there is any liquid on the sheet, carefully hold the baking sheet over your sink at an angle and drain the liquid.) Flip the scallops over and spoon any remaining glaze over the top. Broil for another 5 minutes then serve right away.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
We didn’t love these. The sauce came out very thin, not like a glaze. The scallops were cooked perfectly but the bacon burned around the edges and they didn’t have much flavor.
I would not make again.
I’m sorry these weren’t a hit for you.
These were a huge hit! Made them for my family and everyone loved them. The only thing I’d do differently next time is make more!
These look and sound amazing! Guessing no way to make ahead of time and warm up?
No these are best if eaten fresh. But you can assemble them ahead of time and cook them right before serving. 🙂
I know what you mean! They fly off the table when I make them, too. 🙂
Thank you so much!!
I LOVE bacon wrapped scallops! Your way of making them into lollipops with honey sriracha is REALLY speaking to me. Anyone serving these to me would totally be my favorite person!!
Haha I know what to serve you!!
They’re super easy to make! It’s always a requirement for me when making party food. 🙂
Thank you so much! You’re right about them being a hit. They go so fast. The great thing is that you can prep tons ahead of time!
When they do you should definitely try them. They are my favorite scallops!!
They really are perfect party food. I hope you love them as much as we do!!
These look fantastic! I love that beautiful glaze. I bet they disappear quickly!
They totally do! You don’t want to walk away from the food table or you might not get any lol!
These are the prettiest scallops! And dripping with fantastic flavours. Oh my gosh, Kristen, I’m so excited about making these for the holidays. They will be perfect anytime!!
You should definitely make them! They’d be perfect for your holiday parties!!