Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops: Red Lobster Price, Calories & Easy Recipe
Bacon-wrapped sea scallops are a fast, elegant appetizer that pairs tender seafood with crispy, savory bacon. This page covers the Red Lobster price and calories, then walks you through an easy copycat recipe you can make in the oven, air fryer, on the grill, or in a pan. Want to see how it compares to everything else on the menu? Check our full guide to Red Lobster menu prices.
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops at Red Lobster
Red Lobster serves this dish as a starter. Sweet, tender sea scallops are wrapped in bacon and cooked until the bacon is crisp and the scallop is just opaque. You will find it in the Red Lobster appetizers section, alongside the other shareable starters.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
| Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops | $13.49 | 220 |
Prices can vary by location and change over time. Check your local Red Lobster for the current price.
At 220 calories, it is one of the lighter appetizers on the menu, which makes it a good pick if you want seafood without a heavy start to the meal. For more numbers, see our Red Lobster nutrition guide.
This dish contains shellfish and pork. If you have a food allergy, read the ingredients and allergens guide before you order. If you avoid gluten, our gluten-free menu guide is a good place to start.
Before you go, check the current deals and specials or the Red Lobster happy hour page to find ways to save. You can also look at the Red Lobster Rewards program to see if you can earn perks on your visit.
Ingredients
- Sea scallops: 1 pound of large, dry-packed sea scallops, thawed if frozen, with the small side muscle removed
- Bacon: thin-cut slices, cut in half
- Seasoning: salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
- Optional glaze: equal parts maple syrup and soy sauce, or melted butter
- Supplies: toothpicks (soak them in water first if you are broiling or air frying)
Tip: Choose dry-packed scallops when you can. They sear and crisp better than wet-packed ones, which release water and steam in the pan.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops
- Prep the scallops. Pat them very dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Wrap. Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Pre-cook the bacon (optional). Bacon takes longer to crisp than scallops take to cook. Partially bake or microwave the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes beforehand so it gets crispy without overcooking the scallop.
- Cook. Use one of the methods below.
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops in the Oven
Place the scallops on a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque.
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops in the Air Fryer
Cook at 375°F for 5 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Do not overcrowd the basket, or the bacon will not crisp evenly.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
Grill over medium-high heat, turning once or twice, until the bacon is browned and the scallops are opaque. Pre-cooked bacon helps avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops in a Pan
Cook in a hot, lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat, turning to brown the bacon on all sides, until the scallops turn opaque.
How Long to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
| Method | Temperature | Time |
| Oven (bake, then broil) | 400°F | About 10 minutes, then 1 to 2 minutes under the broiler |
| Air fryer | 375°F | 8 to 9 minutes total (shake the basket halfway) |
| Grill | Medium-high | Turn until the bacon is browned and the scallops are opaque |
| Pan | Medium-high | Turn until the bacon is browned and the scallops are opaque |
Scallops are done when they turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of about 145°F. Pull them off the heat as soon as they hit that point, because overcooked scallops turn rubbery.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Pat them dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon and a good sear.
- Pre-cook the bacon. A few minutes ahead of time keeps the scallop from overcooking.
- Use a wire rack. Air circulation crisps the bacon on all sides.
- Secure with toothpicks. Push the pick through the bacon overlap so the wrap stays tight.
- Do not overcook. Watch closely near the end. Scallops go from perfect to tough in a minute or two.
Best Sauces and Dips
- Maple-soy glaze: brush it on during the last minutes of cooking
- Lemon butter: classic and light
- Garlic aioli: creamy and rich
- Cocktail sauce: a tangy, seafood-friendly option
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These scallops are rich, so pair them with something fresh or simple. Good sides include roasted asparagus or green beans, creamy mashed potatoes or risotto, a green salad, corn on the cob, and rice pilaf. At Red Lobster, you can round out the meal with soups and sides or Cheddar Bay Biscuits and extras.
Can You Make Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Ahead of Time?
Yes. Wrap the scallops, secure them with toothpicks, and refrigerate them on a tray for a few hours before cooking. Cook them straight from the fridge. For the best texture, wait to season until you are ready to cook.
Store-Bought Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
Many grocery stores and warehouse clubs sell frozen bacon-wrapped scallops that are ready to bake or air fry. Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi have carried them, though availability changes by store and season. Follow the package directions, and cook them until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is crisp. To find them near you, check your local store’s frozen seafood section or its online locator.
FAQs
How do you cook bacon-wrapped sea scallops?
Pat the scallops dry, season them, and wrap each one in half a slice of thin bacon secured with a toothpick. Bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 8 to 9 minutes total.
How long do you cook bacon-wrapped sea scallops in the oven?
About 10 minutes at 400°F, plus 1 to 2 minutes under the broiler. Scallops are done when they are opaque, at about 145°F inside.
How do you make bacon wrapped sea scallops in a pan?
Cook them in a hot, lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat, turning to brown the bacon on all sides, until the scallops turn opaque. Pre-cooking the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes helps it crisp in time.
How long do you grill bacon-wrapped sea scallops?
Grill over medium-high heat, turning once or twice, until the bacon is browned and the scallops are opaque. Pre-cooked bacon helps prevent flare-ups.
Do you cook the bacon first?
It is optional but recommended. Partially cooking the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes helps it crisp without overcooking the scallops.
Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking?
Some cooks soak scallops in milk for 20 to 30 minutes to mellow any strong seafood smell and keep them tender. It is optional, and very fresh, dry-packed scallops do not need it. Pat them completely dry afterward, or the bacon will not crisp.
What goes with bacon-wrapped scallops?
Roasted asparagus, green beans, mashed potatoes, risotto, corn on the cob, a simple green salad, or rice pilaf all work well.
What are scallops in bacon called?
They are simply called bacon-wrapped scallops, or scallops wrapped in bacon. They are a close cousin of “angels on horseback,” the classic British appetizer of oysters wrapped in bacon.
How many calories are in bacon-wrapped scallops?
Red Lobster’s bacon-wrapped sea scallops appetizer has 220 calories. Homemade pieces vary with scallop size and bacon thickness, but roughly 60 to 80 calories each is a fair estimate.
How much do bacon-wrapped sea scallops cost at Red Lobster?
The price is $13.49, though it varies by location.
Can you cook bacon-wrapped sea scallops from frozen?
Yes, store-bought frozen ones can go straight into the oven or air fryer. Follow the package directions and add a few minutes if needed. For homemade ones, thaw the scallops in the fridge first so they cook evenly.
What temperature should I use in an air fryer?
375°F. Cook for 5 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Can you make them ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap them, secure them with toothpicks, and refrigerate them on a tray for a few hours. Cook them straight from the fridge.
Who sells bacon-wrapped scallops?
Many grocery stores and warehouse clubs carry them in the frozen seafood section. Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi have sold them, though availability varies.
Can dogs eat bacon-wrapped scallops?
It is best not to share them. Bacon is salty and fatty, and seasonings like garlic powder are harmful to dogs.
Explore More Red Lobster Menus
Prefer something else from the sea? Browse the shrimp meals page, the seafood boils menu, or the full Red Lobster dinner menu.
