About Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce
While I was making plans for meals last week I was surprised to find we (still) had an abundance of bacon and scallops in the house, so I figured I would do the only thing that seemed logical:
Pan sear those scallops to tender, golden perfection and put them on a bed of creamy, cheesy bacon sauce.
I think that might be the most delicious sentence I’ve ever written.
This is the type of dish that could be served as an appetizer (because your guests will love you) or as a light yet indulgent dinner (your guests will still love you).
When I whipped these up, an old friend of mine and I opted to take the dinner route with a side of rice.
However, you may notice that the rice isn’t pictured here.
That’s because I ate my portion of the scallops long before the five-minute rice was done.
When there’s succulent seafood at stake, time is of the essence!
Because yes, these scallops were that good.
As was the bacon.
And the creamy cheese.
Apparently I need to go pick up some more scallops and bacon.
Quick editorial note: In most cases, when you see a recipe on this site, it’s the first time I successfully made that dish. I like to think that if I can make these dishes on the first try then so can anyone. However, if you need a few tips to get you to seared scallop success, check out these helpful links:
Want to know how to pick the absolute best scallops for this recipe? Check out this article.
Never pan fried a scallop before? Fear not – click here for tips!
So, what about you? How do you like to eat pan seared scallops? Do you have them as a dinner or an appetizer?
Let me know all about it in the comments!
Recipe Details
Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare scallops by rinsing and drying thoroughly with a paper towel. Scallops should be as dry as possible so they sear properly. Set aside while preparing the next few steps.
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In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium high heat until brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Add cream, parmesan, and butter to skillet with bacon grease and stir until butter and and cheese are melted. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has reduced by half. Add bacon back to the skillet and season sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low until scallops are done.
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In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Make sure skillet is VERY shot before moving on.
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Add scallops to skillet, flat side down. Sear for one minute, then use tongs to flip scallops to opposite flat side. Sear for another minute, then remove scallops to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve scallps on a bed of creamy bacon sauce and garnished with chopped chives for garnish.
Recipe Notes
Recipe from Cake-n-Knife.
scallops are my an old friend of mines favorite meal, and i can only image that adding bacon makes them evern better
It seriously does 😀 If you make them, I hope he likes them!
The sear on those scallops is incredible! What a fantastic idea for a late Summer dinner!
Thank you Nic!
Love scallops so much. These are so perfectly cooked too and you made it even better with bacon! 😀 I could eat one pan in one sitting!!
That’s exactly what we did – they were all gone shortly after these photos were taken!
Did you sprinkle with salt before searing the scallops?
This looks fantastic! Another hit!
Thank you Florian 😀
These look amazing! I have never made scallops I’ve only ordered them out. Your recipe looks like something I think I can do. Thanks.
This recipe was SO easy, I’m not even kidding. Searing scallops is child’s play and you can use them in just about anything.
All you had to say was seared scallops and I was there. The bacon is “icing on the cake” of a most delectable sort, even if it’s actually underneath 🙂
😀 I completely agree Laura!
Just in time for International Bacon Day on the 5th of September!! Thanks 🙂
You know, I had no idea that was coming up – and to think I could have missed it! Will have to make sure bacon’s on the menu next weekend.
I love scallops and this looks simple enough for even ME to do! 🙂 🙂 Your pictures are amazing… I want some…. I want some…. NOW!
Thank you Clare!
Yummy! This look delicious!!
Thanks Kimberly!
These look AMAZING! Can’t wait to try 🙂
Thank you Nicole!
Love the bacon & scallops combination! Great flavors!
Totally agree Neli!
Wow! These look amazing. Bacon, cream, scallops? yes please! I have to make this!
Thanks Sabrina! I hope it turns out great if you make it 😀
Those scallops look PERFECT to me! I could eat the whole pan!
Thanks Trish! They tasted as good as they look 😀
Your scallops look perfectly done – so delicious!
Thanks Debra!
Oh my goodness, these are perfection. I’ve never cooked scallops before, but I sure love eating them!
I love scallops. This looks so delicious.
Chrisy, I love the way you cook! Scallops, bacon and heavy cream? I am in heaven. I will have to give this a try. Thanks for the inspriation!
Wow look at that beauty ! We love scallops around here, I make mine without bacon but my man would sure love that bacon sauce. Gotta make it !
Just to clarify .. I cook the scallops in the sauce BEFORE I sear them??? Correct?? Thanks
Hey Jen! Searing the scallops should cook them at the same time. Just make sure your pan is hot before adding the scallops and you should be good to go 😀
Chrisy,
This was honestly the most amazing scallop recipe ever. I haven’t been to any restaurant that can top the flavor of this. I made this for myself by cutting the recipe in half (hubby doesn’t do seafood). It worked just as well. My palate thanks you!!!
Chrissy,
Love this recipe, but each time I’ve made it, I use the bacon fat (reduced to barely grease the pan),,