Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce is an indulgent yet elegant seafood dish that combines sweet, tender scallops with smoky, crispy bacon and a bright, buttery lemon sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The combination of textures—crispy bacon, seared scallops, and smooth buttery sauce—creates a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Scallops are caramelized to golden perfection
• Bacon adds smoky, salty depth
• Lemon butter sauce brightens the richness
• Quick-cooking for under 30 minutes
• Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor

This dish highlights contrasts: tender and crispy, sweet and salty, rich and tangy—all in one bite.

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Key Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
• 4–6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

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About Scallops

Scallop are naturally sweet, tender, and quick-cooking. For best results:

• Use dry scallops (not treated with preservatives)
• Pat scallops completely dry for a proper sear
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain caramelization

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
• Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
• Reserve a small amount of bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

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2. Sear the Scallops

• Season scallops lightly with salt and pepper.
• Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with butter and a bit of bacon fat.
• Add scallops without overcrowding. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Remove and set aside.

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3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium.
• In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Simmer briefly to combine flavors.

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4. Combine Everything

• Return scallops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
• Chop crispy bacon and sprinkle on top.
• Toss gently to coat and heat through.

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5. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

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Flavor Profile

• Sweet, tender scallops
• Smoky, crispy bacon
• Bright, tangy lemon butter sauce
• Slight umami from browned bits in the pan
• Herbaceous freshness from parsley

The balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors makes this dish irresistible.

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Tips for Best Results

• Dry Scallops: Pat completely dry for a perfect sear.
• High Heat: Ensures caramelization without overcooking the inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook scallops in batches if necessary.
• Add Bacon Fat: Small amount enhances depth without overpowering lemon flavor.

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Variations

Add Vegetables

• Sautéed asparagus, spinach, or zucchini
• Roasted cherry tomatoes for extra acidity

Make It Creamy

• Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce for a richer texture

Serve Over

• Rice, risotto, or orzo
• Pasta tossed with a little olive oil or butter

Spice It Up

• Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne in the sauce

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What to Serve With

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Simple arugula salad
• Crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce

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Storage & Reheating

• Best enjoyed fresh; scallops do not reheat well
• Sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on low heat, but avoid reheating scallops as they become rubbery

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking scallops — results in rubbery texture
2. Not drying scallops — prevents proper browning
3. Overcrowding pan — causes steaming instead of searing
4. Adding lemon too early — acidity can break down butter if cooked too long

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Nutritional Highlights

• Lean protein from scallops
• Healthy fats from butter and bacon
• Low-carb, gluten-free option
• High in vitamins and minerals (selenium, B12 from scallops)

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Final Thoughts

Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce is a sophisticated yet approachable seafood dish. With tender scallops, smoky bacon, and bright lemon butter, it’s perfect for special occasions or elevating a weeknight meal. Quick, flavorful, and visually stunning, it’s a dish that impresses every time.

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