Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach

By Kplmrm

Scallops are simple to prepare, and with a screaming hot skillet, you get a gorgeous crust without having to bread the shellfish. Serve with a multigrain baguette and a glass of wine.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 3 scallops and 3/4 cup spinach mixture)

Nutritional Information
Calories:323
Fat:6.5g (sat 1.9g,mono 2.3g,poly 0.6g)
Protein:45.3g
Carbohydrate:22.7g
Fiber:5g
Cholesterol:106mg
Iron:6.8mg
Sodium:885mg
Calcium:141mg

Ingredients

• 3 center-cut bacon slices
• 1 1/2 pounds jumbo sea scallops (about 12)
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 6 garlic cloves, sliced
• 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 4 lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; coarsely chop and set bacon aside. Increase heat to high.

2. Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle scallops evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add scallops to drippings in pan; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until done. Transfer to a plate; keep warm. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add onion and garlic to pan; sauté 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add half of spinach; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add remaining half of spinach; cook 2 minutes or just until wilted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Divide spinach mixture among 4 plates; top each serving evenly with crumbled bacon and 3 scallops. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.