Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise.
4. Wrap each scallop with a bacon strip and secure it with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
6. While the scallops are baking, prepare the avocado-cilantro dip.
7. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor.
8. Add the chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the blender or food processor.
9. Blend or process until smooth and creamy.
10. Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops hot with the avocado-cilantro dip on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or 2 people as a main course.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of sea scallops, you can use bay scallops or shrimp.
- Instead of bacon, you can use prosciutto or pancetta.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Instead of cilantro, you can use parsley or basil.
- Instead of lime juice, you can use lemon juice or vinegar.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the avocado-cilantro dip for a spicy kick.
- Top the bacon-wrapped scallops with grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the scallops dry with paper towels before wrapping them with bacon to prevent excess moisture.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the scallops tightly so that it doesn't unravel during baking.
- For a crispier bacon, broil the bacon-wrapped scallops for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bacon-wrapped scallops and avocado-cilantro dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bacon-wrapped scallops, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat the avocado-cilantro dip, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a platter and drizzle the avocado-cilantro dip over them.
- Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Pale ale
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bacon is not crispy enough, broil the bacon-wrapped scallops for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- If the scallops are overcooked, reduce the baking time or oven temperature.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon-wrapped scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Discard any leftover bacon-wrapped scallops and avocado-cilantro dip that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Bacon-wrapped scallops are a popular appetizer in many seafood restaurants and are often served with a variety of dips and sauces.
- Avocado-cilantro dip is a Mexican-inspired dip that is often used as a topping for tacos, nachos, and other dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- The bacon-wrapped scallops are salty, savory, and slightly smoky.
- The avocado-cilantro dip is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer or a main course with a side dish.
- Pair the bacon-wrapped scallops with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
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