Skewered Scallops with Prosciutto Recipe

This Skewered Scallops with Prosciutto recipe pairs sweet, tender sea scallops with delicate slices of salty prosciutto before grilling them until beautifully crisp and golden. Featured on License to Grill, this elegant recipe from Rob Rainford showcases how just a few quality ingredients can create an impressive seafood appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining.

Ideal for backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or date-night meals, these grilled scallops offer the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and naturally sweet flavors. Quick to prepare and even quicker to cook, this recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal effort.

The Inspiration

Combining seafood with cured meats has long been a tradition throughout Mediterranean and European cuisine. The natural sweetness of fresh scallops pairs exceptionally well with the delicate saltiness of thinly sliced prosciutto, creating a simple yet luxurious combination that highlights both ingredients.

On License to Grill, Rob Rainford demonstrates how the barbecue can elevate elegant ingredients with surprisingly little preparation. Wrapping each scallop in prosciutto protects the delicate seafood during grilling while allowing the cured meat to crisp beautifully over the heat. As the prosciutto renders, it lightly bastes the scallops, adding incredible flavor without overpowering their naturally buttery texture.

Grilling also introduces subtle smoky notes that complement both the seafood and the cured meat, creating a sophisticated appetizer that feels equally at home at casual summer cookouts and upscale dinner parties.

With only a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of just minutes, this recipe proves that exceptional barbecue dishes don’t need to be complicated. It’s a celebration of quality ingredients, careful technique, and the simple pleasure of cooking over an open flame.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds of “farmed off bottom” scallops – (750grams)
• 20 slices of Prosciutto, sliced paper thin
• Course salt and pepper
• 12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Method

• Preheat grill to a medium – high heat
• Rinse scallops with cold water and blot them dry with paper towel.
• Season scallops with salt and pepper. Place scallop on to a slice of Prosciutto and wrap scallop until covered completely.
• Repeat until all scallops are wrapped in Prosciutto.
• Place and grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until Prosciutto is golden brown.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

For seafood lovers, serve these skewers alongside cedar planked salmon, grilled clams with lemon butter sauce, Caribbean Rum Shrimp, or Scallop and Salmon Brochettes to create an impressive barbecue seafood platter. A side of homemade tarragon mayonnaise or a fresh lemon aioli also complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops without overpowering the smoky prosciutto.

These grilled scallops are equally delicious served over creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple bed of mixed greens dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. Fresh crusty bread or grilled sourdough completes the meal by adding texture and making it easy to enjoy every flavorful bite.

For entertaining, arrange the skewers on a large serving platter garnished with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and shaved Parmesan. The elegant presentation, crisp prosciutto, and perfectly grilled scallops create an appetizer that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Skewered Scallops with Prosciutto recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results on the barbecue. Rob Rainford’s recipe from License to Grill combines delicate sea scallops with thinly sliced prosciutto to create a sophisticated seafood dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

The contrast between the sweet, buttery scallops and the crisp, savory prosciutto creates an unforgettable combination, while grilling adds subtle smoky notes that elevate every bite. With minimal preparation and a cooking time of only a few minutes, this recipe is ideal for both experienced grillers and those new to cooking seafood outdoors.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, preparing appetizers for guests, or treating your family to something special, these Skewered Scallops with Prosciutto are guaranteed to impress. Their beautiful presentation, rich flavor, and effortless preparation make them a standout addition to any barbecue menu.

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