Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pineapple Quinoa

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Sep. 24, 2022
This is the first recipe I developed using quinoa as an ingredient. My husband thoroughly enjoyed helping me test this recipe­. This is a special dish that can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.—Laura Greenberg, Lake Balboa, California
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pineapple Quinoa Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 10 bacon strips
  • 16 sea scallops (about 2 pounds), side muscles removed
  • 1 cup drained canned pineapple tidbits

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add quinoa, salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  2. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat, removing 8 of the strips when partially cooked but not crisp. Continue cooking remaining strips until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Finely chop crisp bacon strips. Cut remaining bacon strips lengthwise in half.
  3. Wrap a halved bacon strip around each scallop; secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle with remaining pepper.
  4. Wipe the pan clean, if necessary; heat over medium-high heat. Add scallops; cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until scallops are firm and opaque.
  5. Remove quinoa from heat; fluff with a fork. Stir in pineapple and chopped bacon. Serve with scallops.

Nutrition Facts

4 scallops with 3/4 cup quinoa: 455 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1717mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.