Best Asian Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipes

Asian cuisine is becoming more and more popular in the Western world due to its unique and delicious flavors. One such dish in Asian cuisine that has gained immense popularity is Asian bacon-wrapped scallops recipe. This scrumptious recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a fancy party.

History and Origin:

Scallops have been a part of Asian cuisine for centuries, specifically in Japan and China. They are often prepared by wrapping them in bacon and grilling them for a crispy and delicious taste. The use of bacon in this recipe was introduced by Western cuisines and has since been incorporated into Asian culinary practices.

Ingredients:

Some of the key ingredients required for preparing Asian bacon-wrapped scallops recipe include: - Scallops - Bacon - Soy sauce - Mirin - Brown sugar - Garlic - Ginger - Green onions

Preparation:

The preparation of Asian bacon-wrapped scallops recipe involves wrapping scallops in bacon and then grilling them. However, the unique features of this recipe lie in the marinade and seasoning. To prepare the marinade, mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced green onions. Coat the scallops with the marinade and wrap them in bacon. Grill the scallops for 3-4 minutes and then turn them over and grill again for another 3-4 minutes. Serve the scallops with the remaining marinade as a dipping sauce.

Variations:

While the combination of bacon-wrapped scallops and Asian seasoning is perfect, there are several variations to this recipe that can be explored. - Spicy Asian Bacon-Wrapped Scallop: Add some spice to the recipe by adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the marinade. - Teriyaki Bacon-Wrapped Scallop: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor. - Wasabi Bacon-Wrapped Scallop: Add some wasabi to the marinade to give it a kick of heat and a unique taste.

Health benefits:

- Scallops are a rich source of protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for good health. - Bacon-wrapped scallops contain calcium, iron, and vitamin A that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. - Soy sauce used in the recipe provides several health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved digestion, and immunity boost.

Conclusion:

Asian bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is a delicious and unique dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of bacon and Asian seasoning provides an explosion of flavors in every bite. With several variations available, it is easy to customize the recipe according to one’s preferences. The health benefits of this dish further add to its appeal, making it a dish that is not only scrumptious but also healthy.

When it comes to appetizers, Asian bacon-wrapped scallops are a favorite for many. The combination of crispy bacon and succulent scallops with a hint of Asian flavors creates a magical taste that is hard to resist. However, making this dish requires some tips, especially if you want to get it right. In this article, we will explore valuable tips when making Asian bacon-wrapped scallops to help you take your appetizer game to the next level.

Tip 1: Choosing the Right Scallops

The first step in making Asian bacon-wrapped scallops is selecting the right scallops. When shopping for scallops, you have two options: fresh and frozen. Fresh scallops are typically more expensive and have a better flavor, while frozen scallops are more affordable and convenient. However, frozen scallops can sometimes be watery and lack flavor. Therefore, it is essential to choose high-quality scallops, whether fresh or frozen. Look for scallops that are firm, dry, and have a sweet, briny smell.

Tip 2: Preparing the Scallops

Once you have chosen the right scallops, the next step is to prepare them. The first thing you need to do is to pat dry the scallops using paper towels. This will remove excess moisture, which will prevent them from becoming rubbery when cooked.

Marinade

To enhance the flavor of the scallops, you can also marinade them before wrapping them in bacon. The marinade can be a simple mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. However, you can also be creative and use other ingredients such as teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, or lime juice.

Bacon

When it comes to bacon, choose thin sliced bacon as it cooks faster, and it will wrap more evenly around the scallops. It is also essential to cook the bacon partially before wrapping it around the scallops. This will ensure that the bacon is crispy and not soggy.

Tip 3: Cooking the Scallops

Cooking bacon-wrapped scallops can be a bit challenging as the bacon and scallops cook at different rates. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance to ensure that both are cooked correctly. Here are some tips to help you cook your bacon-wrapped scallops perfectly.

Baking

Baking is the most common cooking method used to cook bacon-wrapped scallops. To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the scallops on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, turning the scallops halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Grilling

Grilling is another great way to cook bacon-wrapped scallops. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the scallops on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.

Frying

If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry your bacon-wrapped scallops instead. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Carefully lower the scallops into the oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.

Tip 4: Serving the Scallops

Once your bacon-wrapped scallops are cooked, it is time to serve them. Here are some tips on how to serve them.

Garnish

Garnishing your bacon-wrapped scallops can add an extra touch of flavor and presentation. You can sprinkle them with chopped scallions, sesame seeds or drizzle with a sweet chili sauce.

Serving Platter

When serving, you can arrange the scallops on a serving platter or individual appetizer plates. For a more authentic Asian feel, you can serve them on bamboo or porcelain plates.

Pairings

Bacon-wrapped scallops are versatile and can be paired with a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. For an Asian-inspired beverage, you can serve them with a cold glass of sake or a lychee martini.

Conclusion

Making the perfect Asian bacon-wrapped scallops requires some tips and tricks. From choosing the right scallops to cooking them correctly, these tips will help you take your appetizer game to the next level. So the next time you want to impress your guests, try making this dish and watch them devour it.