Bacon wrapped scallops combine tender seafood, smoky bacon, and rich lemon butter into a barbecue appetizer that feels both elegant and comforting. The scallops stay juicy while the bacon crisps beautifully over the grill, creating a perfect balance between delicate seafood texture and smoky savory flavor. Fresh lemon juice and parsley keep the dish bright and fresh while melted butter helps create a glossy finish around every skewer.
One of the reasons these bacon wrapped scallops work so well on the barbecue is the contrast of textures. The outside becomes lightly crisp and caramelized while the center of each scallop remains tender and moist. The bacon also protects the seafood from drying out during grilling, which helps create consistently juicy results.
Why bacon wrapped scallops are perfect for summer grilling
The popularity of bacon wrapped scallops continues to grow because the recipe delivers impressive flavor with surprisingly little preparation. Scallops cook quickly on the grill while the bacon develops rich smoky flavor over the hot coals. Regular basting with lemon butter adds extra richness and keeps the seafood glossy throughout cooking.
Another reason these barbecued scallops work so well is their versatility. They can be served as a seafood appetizer, party snack, or even as part of a larger barbecue spread with grilled vegetables, salads, or rice dishes. The skewers also look beautiful on a platter, making them ideal for entertaining guests outdoors.
Smoky bacon and lemon butter create balanced flavor
The lemon butter mixture gives these bacon wrapped scallops extra richness and freshness while grilling. Melted butter keeps the seafood moist while lemon juice brightens the smoky bacon flavor. Fresh parsley also adds light herbal freshness to the finished skewers.
The smoky bacon adds savory depth that balances the natural sweetness of the scallops. During grilling, the bacon slowly crisps around the seafood while releasing flavor into the butter mixture. The result feels rich without becoming too heavy, especially when served with fresh lemon wedges or crisp salads.
If you enjoy seafood barbecue recipes, you may also like our Barbecued Shrimp, another quick seafood recipe packed with buttery grilled flavor and bold seasoning.
Fresh seafood keeps grilled scallops tender and juicy
Fresh scallops make a huge difference in this recipe because their sweet flavor pairs perfectly with smoky bacon and lemon butter. Large scallops also hold up better on the grill and stay juicy during cooking. Proper grilling temperature matters as well because high heat helps crisp the bacon quickly while keeping the scallops tender.
The skewers cook in only a few minutes per side, making these bacon wrapped scallops ideal for relaxed summer entertaining. Since the cooking time stays short, most of the preparation can happen ahead of time. The butter mixture can also be prepared early, which makes final assembly and grilling simple once guests arrive.
These grilled scallops pair wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled asparagus, rice dishes, roasted potatoes, or fresh salads. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top right before serving also brightens the smoky barbecue flavor even more.
Proper food handling remains important whenever preparing seafood and pork products. Scallops and bacon should always stay refrigerated until cooking and should be cooked safely before serving. For additional seafood preparation and grilling safety guidance, visit the FDA.
Ultimately, bacon wrapped scallops deliver smoky barbecue flavor, tender seafood texture, crispy bacon, and rich lemon butter in an impressive appetizer recipe perfect for summer gatherings, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations.
Barbecued Piggy Scallops
Equipment
- Barbecue grill
- Bowls
- Skewers
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 large scallops
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 ounce unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, black pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
- Add the scallops and coat evenly.
- Cut the bacon slices in half.
- Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon.
- Thread the wrapped scallops onto skewers.
- Reserve the remaining butter mixture.
- Preheat the barbecue grill over hot coals.
- Place the skewers onto the grill.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Baste regularly with the remaining butter mixture.
- Cook until the bacon becomes crisp and golden.
- Transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with any remaining butter mixture and serve immediately.