Massachusetts Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Introduction

Nothing beats the flavor of fresh Massachusetts scallops wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon and grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The high heat of the center grate gives the scallops a delicious sear while locking in their natural juiciness, while the surrounding flat cooktop provides the perfect even heat to crisp up the bacon. This dish makes an irresistible appetizer or main course that's elegant yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Massachusetts sea scallops
• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins in the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Slice the bacon in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Wrap and Skewer

1. Wrap each scallop with a bacon strip and secure it with a skewer.
2. Brush melted butter over the wrapped scallops.

Step 4: Sear the Scallops

1. Place the scallops on the center grill grate and sear for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Move them to the outer griddle area to allow the bacon to crisp up evenly, cooking for another 4-6 minutes while turning occasionally.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the scallops from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 120°F, as they will continue to cook after being removed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
• Use high-quality hardwood for an optimal smoky flavor.
• Pat scallops dry before grilling to get a perfect sear.
• Adjust the grilling area on the Arteflame to control the crispiness of the bacon.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Maple-Glazed Scallops: Brush scallops with maple syrup before grilling for a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic Herb Butter Scallops: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and fresh thyme before brushing.
• Teriyaki-Glazed Scallops: Marinate scallops in teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
• Lemon-Pepper Scallops: Add freshly grated lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a bright, zesty flavor.

Best Pairings

• Crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
• Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garlic butter rice or a light quinoa salad
• Warm, crusty sourdough bread

Conclusion

Massachusetts Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are simple to prepare but pack incredible flavor. Using the Arteflame grill, you achieve the perfect sear, keeping the scallops tender and juicy while crisping the bacon beautifully. Whether for an appetizer or a main dish, these scallops are sure to impress. Give them a try and experience the unmatched quality of grilling on an Arteflame.