Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce – A Decadent Seafood Delight

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly balances the delicate, sweet flavor of scallops with the savory richness of bacon, then Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce is exactly what you’ve been searching for. Picture this: succulent scallops seared to perfection, served over a creamy, bacon-infused sauce that’s sure to leave you craving more.

This dish is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a date night, or simply to treat yourself after a long day, Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce is a recipe that will elevate your cooking game. But don’t let its gourmet appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few quality ingredients and a little bit of time.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making this incredible dish. From the ingredients you need, to the step-by-step instructions, to tips on how to make it your own, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into why this is the perfect dish for any occasion!

What You’ll Need – Ingredients for Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce

Before you start cooking, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry – most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and those that aren’t can be found easily at your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown:

Ingredient	Quantity
Bacon, chopped	8 slices
Unsalted butter	1/2 Tbsp
Heavy whipping cream	1 cup
Parmesan, freshly grated	1/2 cup
Canola oil	1/2 tsp
Fresh diver scallops	8 large
Salt & pepper	To taste
Chopped chives (garnish)	For garnish

You’ll also need a few kitchen tools to make this dish shine:

• A medium skillet for cooking the bacon and making the creamy sauce.
• A separate skillet for searing the scallops.
• A slotted spoon to drain the crispy bacon.
• Paper towels to blot the scallops after cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce

How to Prepare the Bacon Cream Sauce

The creamy bacon sauce is the heart of this dish, so getting it right is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crispy and golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
   • Once it’s crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
2. Make the Bacon Cream Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, with the leftover bacon grease, add 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
   • Once the butter melts, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and stir it together with the bacon grease.
   • Let the cream simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, reducing the sauce by half.
   • Once the sauce has thickened, add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the cream, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.
   • Stir the cooked bacon back into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while you prepare the scallops.

How to Sear the Scallops

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to get those scallops seared to golden perfection.

1. Heat the Skillet:
   • In a separate skillet, heat 1/2 teaspoon of canola oil over medium-high heat.
   • Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the scallops. This ensures they sear properly and get a beautiful crust.
2. Prepare the Scallops:
   • Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • Once the pan is hot, carefully place the scallops in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding the pan will prevent them from searing properly.
3. Sear the Scallops:
   • Sear the scallops for about 1 minute on the first side until they develop a golden brown crust.
   • Flip them over and sear the other side for another minute, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
   • Once cooked, transfer the scallops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

How to Serve the Dish

Now that the scallops and sauce are ready, it’s time to plate your Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce!

• Spoon a generous amount of the creamy bacon sauce onto a plate or shallow bowl.
• Place the seared scallops on top of the sauce, making sure they’re arranged neatly for a beautiful presentation.
• For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Tips and Variations for Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce

While the basic recipe is already delicious on its own, here are some tips and variations to help you make this dish your own:

1. Perfect Scallops – The Key to Success

The secret to perfect scallops lies in timing and temperature. If you overcook scallops, they can become rubbery, so be sure to keep a close eye on them while they’re searing. Once they turn golden brown and opaque in the center, they’re done.

2. Experiment with Bacon Substitutes

If you’re not a fan of bacon or want to try something different, you can swap the bacon for pancetta, prosciutto, or even turkey bacon for a lighter version. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the sauce, so feel free to experiment!

3. Add Greens for Balance

While this dish is rich and creamy, you can lighten it up by serving it alongside some fresh greens. A handful of sautéed spinach or a light salad with arugula adds a nice contrast to the richness of the bacon cream sauce.

4. Spice It Up

For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. This will introduce a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the richness of the bacon and cream. garlic bread or steamed vegetables.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

Nutritional Information for Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce

Wondering about the nutritional breakdown of this dish? Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400 kcal
Servings	2 servings
Protein	34g
Fat	28g
Carbohydrates	5g

As you can see, Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a great choice for those on low-carb or keto diets. It’s also rich in healthy fats from the cream and bacon.

FAQs about Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, frozen scallops work just fine! Make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from interfering with the searing process.

How do I know when my scallops are perfectly seared?

Scallops should have a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides, with a tender and slightly opaque center. If you can’t resist, give one a gentle poke – it should feel firm but slightly bouncy.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat it gently before serving, stirring in any extra cream if it thickens too much.

Is this recipe easy to adjust for a larger group?

Absolutely! You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on how many servings you need. Just be sure to use a larger skillet for cooking the scallops in batches, and adjust the amounts of cream and bacon accordingly.

Conclusion – A Deliciously Simple Yet Elegant Meal

Making Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce at home is easier than you think, and the results will impress even the most discerning seafood lover. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dish is the perfect way to indulge in a little luxury without spending hours in the kitchen.

Now that you know the ins and outs of this incredible recipe, it’s time to give it a try. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist, you’ll end up with a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and truly memorable.

Are you ready to create your own version of Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce? Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start cooking! And don’t forget to share your results with friends, family, or on social media – they’ll be amazed by your culinary skills.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more of our seafood dishes and other easy-to-make gourmet meals. Happy cooking!

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