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!
Handheld bites are just the best! Make these lamb lollipops next.
How do you make tender, buttery scallops taste EVEN better? Wrap them up in smoky bacon, dip them in a spicy-sweet-tangy glaze, and broil them to perfection. In case you haven't guessed by looking at the picture, these scallop lollipops should be your go-to party appetizer!
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:Ā Honey adds sweetness and a glaze-y finish.
- Sriracha:Ā For a spicy undertone.
- Lime:Ā A citrusy note to brighten things up.
How to make scallop lollipops
These bacon scallop lollipops will be flying off the table ā they're sure to impress your guests! Here are the instructions:
- Prep the bacon: Slice the bacon in half on a chopping board, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet in the middle rack of your oven while it heats up for a broil. Leave it for just a few minutes so it's not yet fully cooked, but starting it ahead means the scallops won't overcook.
- Wrap it up: Once cooled, wrap a piece of bacon around the scallops, using a toothpick to keep it in place.
- Make the glaze: Pour honey, sriracha, and lime juice into a small bowl or jar, and stir to mix. Dip each scallop lollipop into the glaze, then place it on a baking tray with the flat side down.
- Broil: You might want to take the battery out of the smoke alarm for this or open a window! Place the baking sheet on your top rack, taking them out halfway through broiling to flip to the second side. When flipping, see if there is any liquid in the baking sheet and if so, hold it at an angle over the sink to drain, then spoon on the remaining glaze. After they sizzle up to perfection, serve, and enjoy!
Scallop selection
Scallops are not quite an everyday fare, meaning they tend to be reserved for restaurant dining or special occasions ā 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 ā 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.
Want more? Learn how to cook scallops!
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 bitesĀ 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 ā you can assemble them ahead of time, store them in an airtight tub, and cook them right before serving.
It's best not to reheat scallops as the texture can become rubbery, so once cooked, enjoy them!
What's the best way to wrap the scallops in the bacon?
We have found it is easier to cut a little off the end of the bacon so that each strip is even in length and just a little bigger 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. But they do have their own delicious and distinct flavor. When overcooked, they can become a bit tough or rubbery, so you'll want to keep an eye on the time when broiling!
Pat them with a paper towel before cooking them. 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.Ā¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, Juice of Ā½ lime
- Wrap one piece of bacon (Ā½ 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.
For more inspiration, check out all of our appetizer recipes!